BC reports 2,364 new COVID cases in last 72 hours - 58 new cases in Island Health | Nov. 30, 2020

British Columbia health officials on Monday announced there were 2,364 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the province over the past 72 hours, including 58 in Island Health. From Friday to Saturday there were 750 new cases, from Saturday to Sunday there were 731 new cases and from Sunday to today (Nov. 30) there were 596 new cases. An additional 277 historical cases have also been added to the province’s total due to data error in Fraser Health. The provincial total now stands at 33,238. Health officials also announced 46 new deaths over the past 72 hours, the highest ever-reported, bringing the death toll to 441. Of the new cases, 371 were in Vancouver Coastal Health, 1,365 plus 277 historical cases in Fraser Health, 58 in Island Health, 112 in Interior Health, and 73 in Northern Health. There are currently 8,855 active cases in the province, 316 people in hospital – 75 of whom are in intensive care – and 10,139 people under active public health monitoring due to possible exposure to an identified case. There were also five new healthcare facility outbreaks over the past 72 hours. There are now 57 active outbreaks at long-term or assisted living facilities and five in acute care facilities. There are 1,338 active cases in long-term care, 847 residents and 487 staff members. Furthermore, there one community outbreak was reported over the past 72 hours. The outbreak was at Newton Elementary School in Fraser Health, which has since closed and will remain closed for the next two weeks. A total of 23,111 people have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, said the province is facing a “significant storm surge” and that more people died from COVID-19 this past weekend than in any other weekend previously. She urged people to “do their part” and slow the transmission of COVID-19. “If you are thinking it may be OK to bend the rules, please remember that this virus takes lives and it is the lives that are closest to us that are most at risk when we take risks,” she said. Henry when it comes to restaurants enforcing the recently imposed health orders, she said the onus is on people to follow the measures and that restaurants shouldn’t have to ask people whether they are with their immediate household or not. “The onus really is on us, go out with your family, go to a local place, but follow the rules,” she said. Henry said if people don’t believe in masks or don’t believe in wearing them when they go out, they should avoid going out and not put others at risk. “If you are somebody who does not believe in masks, then don’t go to those stores. Don’t put other people at risk. Go at a different time. Shop online, find other ways to do what you do,” she said