VANCOUVER -- Health officials in British Columbia announced two more deaths from COVID-19 and 25 new test-positive cases on Thursday, which marks 100 days from their very first warning about the virus.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry noted the milestone during her daily virus briefing, taking a moment to acknowledge the widespread impacts that efforts to contain the novel coronavirus have had on the province.

"In the last 100 days we have all watched as the pandemic spread, first in China then around the world," she said. "Our lives, our businesses, our communities have dramatically changed."

It was Jan. 21 when Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix first addressed the virus publicly. Their statement assured residents that, at that time, their risk of catching it was considered low.

While no cases had been detected in Canada yet, officials said they were already preparing for the virus to arrive. B.C.'s first case was confirmed seven days later.

Thursday's announcement brings the provincial death toll to 111, and the total number of cases confirmed through testing since the beginning of the pandemic to 2,112.

But the implementation of rigid physical distancing measures has brought significant progress in bending the province's epidemic curve, and Henry hinted that people might have a chance to reconnect face-to-face with some of their friends and family sooner than later.

"We're not going to have large group gatherings together, we're not going to be having indoor parties in this coming summer, but we can look at how we can safely have more contact and more people in our lives," Henry said.

That might involve meeting people outdoors, provided everyone can maintain physical distance. But officials said it would have to be done thoughtfully, and that people would only be able to expand their social circles "slightly."

Those who live with seniors, cancer patients or others who are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection would also want to keep socializing to a bare minimum, Henry said.

Officials did not give a clear timeline for when those relaxed guidelines might be issued, but said it could be part of the "next phase" of the province's pandemic response. B.C. Premier John Horgan is expected to release some details of the government's reopening plans next week.

In the meantime, health officials are continuing to battle dozens of outbreaks in the community and in seniors' homes, mostly in the Lower Mainland.

There are currently 24 active outbreaks in long-term care homes, assisted-living facilities and acute care units, while 12 others have been declared over. A total of 256 residents and 154 staff members at those facilities have caught the virus so far.

The number of cases associated with the province's four poultry plant outbreaks hasn't changed, but the number of infections at Mission Institution, which is home to the worst outbreak across Canada's correctional system, has grown to 132 from 120.

Officials said they anticipate the prison's total will continue to climb as well.

"We know there are many people who have already been exposed and so we expect there may be more people who develop symptoms over the coming days and weeks," Henry said.

Another 17 people have recovered from the virus, bringing B.C.'s total to 1,322. That leaves 679 active cases, with 82 people in hospital, including 30 in critical care or intensive care units.

Hospitalizations, which officials have described as the best measure of the seriousness of the pandemic in B.C., are at their lowest point since March, and have been declining steadily since April 13.

Looking back on the last 100 days, Henry noted the positive impact of the public's combined efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, from increased hygiene to staying home while sick, and urged people to keep it going as the province approaches the next phase of its response.

"One thing really has stayed the same, and that is the unwavering commitment of everybody here in British Columbia to work together and to keep our firewall strong – to do everything we can to protect our communities, our seniors and our elders in particular, and our families," she said.

 

 
 

Correction:

Dr. Henry reported there were 120 cases at Mission Institution as of Thursday, but the government has since confirmed the total was 132. That's an increase of 12 infections over Wednesday.