COVID-19 claims 11 more lives, as B.C. confirms 711 new cases

B.C. health officials announced 711 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 more deaths on Friday.

In a written statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said there are currently 9,050active cases of people infected with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus in B.C.

A total of 338people arein hospital, compared to301 a week ago, 76 of whom are in intensive care.

The provincialdeath toll now stands at 492.

"We continue to face a significant surge in community transmission and new cases of COVID-19, which means following the provincial health officer'sorders and using all our layers of protection is necessary for every person in our province right now," Henry and Dix said in thestatement.

"The virus is not letting up and neither can we."

Public health is actively monitoring 10,957people across the provincewho are in self-isolation due to COVID-19 exposure.

Two new health-care facility outbreaks have been declared, Henry noted, one at Peace Arch Hospital Foundation Lodge and another at Richmond Hospital. She also confirmed anoutbreak at Youville Residence has ended.

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In total, there are now 56active outbreaks in long-term care and assisted living facilities and nine in acute-care units of hospitals.

Henry also reminded people to stay in small groups and stay local as we head into the holiday season.

"We can still be festive, we can still have fun, but let's ensure it is only with our immediate household.

Vancouver Catholicschool goes virtual

An independent Catholicschool in Vancouver confirmed Friday that its classes will be virtual as of Dec. 8 due to "severe staffing shortages."

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School sent a newsletter to parents on Dec. 3 informing them of three COVID-19 exposures, all contained to one class.

"The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remains our highest priority," it read.

On Friday, the school sent out another letter saying "we are unable to adequately staff the school at a level which is deemed safe, abides by our school safety plan, and provides our students with the high-quality educational experience they deserve."

All students, it says, will be moving to an online platform that will continue until Dec.18.

New study shows impact on families

A new study, released Friday, found that families with children and adults aged 18-29 reported being hardest-hit by the socioeconomic effects of thepandemic.

The provincewide COVID-19 Survey on Population, Experience, Action and Knowledge had a sample size of 395,000 people.

It found that while seniors aged 70 and older experience the worst health effects, younger adults and parents of young children reported the most severe economic, mental and emotional toll.

Henry saysthe first shipments of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should arrive within weeks. Priority patients, including health-care workers and residents in long-term care are expected to receive shots by early 2021.

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She says the province expects to be able to provide vaccinations to everyone who wants one bySeptember 2021.

On Thursday, a new provincial health order was posted suspending all adult indoor and outdoor team sports.

Henry saidbetween 10 and 15 per cent of all new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks have been linked to sports and recreation.

Restrictions for group fitness activities were also updated.