What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for Feb. 11 - Action News
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British Columbia

What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for Feb. 11

As health officials announced another 449 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine more deaths on Thursday, they also recognized the heavy toll that B.C.'s other public health emergency continues to take.

Officials announced 449 new cases and 9 more deaths in Thursday's update

People go about their business on a cold day in Vancouver, amid continued restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

THE LATEST:

  • Another 449 cases and nine more deaths were confirmed on Thursday.
  • Thereare now 224 patients in hospital with the disease, including 63in intensive care.
  • There are4,317active cases across B.C.
  • A total of1,278people have died out of72,305confirmed cases in B.C.
  • 159,887 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including15,684 second doses.
  • An outbreak has been declared at the BrucejackGold Mine in northern B.C.

As health officials announced another 449 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine more deaths on Thursday, they also recognized the heavy toll that B.C.'s other public health emergency continues to take.

Last year was the province's deadliest ever for drug overdose deaths, with1,716 lives lost.

"COVID-19 has shed further light on the inequalities that are all too pervasive in our society,"Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a written statement.

"To the parents, friends, partners and communities who have lost loved ones, we offer our condolences. We remain committed to supporting people who use drugs and are doing everything we can to address the dual health crises affecting our province."

Thursday's update put the total number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 at the lowest level since Nov. 19, with224 hospitalized including 63 in intensive care.There are now 4,317active cases of coronavirus acrossthe province.

To date, 1,278people have died out of72,305confirmed cases in B.C. A total of159,887 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including15,684 second doses.

Warnings for the long weekend

Meanwhile, health officials have spent most of this week pleading with British Columbians to stay local this Family Day weekend, and to obey public health orders forbidding social gatherings and events.

"This weekend is the weekend to stay home to show your family and friends you care by not giving COVID-19 the opportunity to spread," Henry and Dix said on Wednesday.

"By choosing small and safe for you and everyone around you, we can slow the virus and keep our positive momentum going."

Brucejack mine outbreak

On Thursday, Northern Health declared an outbreak at the Brucejack Gold Mine, located65 kilometres north of Stewart, B.C., with a total of 14 cases detected.

The mine has implemented travel restrictions and increased testing protocols. None of the affected workers have severe symptoms.

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What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday,Canada had reported 813,982 cases of COVID-19, with 38,242 cases considered active.

A total of 21,004 people have died.

What are the symptoms ofCOVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever.
  • Cough.
  • Tiredness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Headache.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Use the B.C. Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 self-assessment tool. Testing is recommended for anyone with symptoms of cold orflu, even if they're mild. People with severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, difficulty waking upor other extreme symptoms should call 911.

What can I do toprotect myself?

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
  • Keep at least two metres awayfrom people outside your bubble. Keep your distance from people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
  • Be aware ofevolving travel advisoriesto different regions.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.