The new provincial recovery rate for COVID-19 cases is now 60 per cent

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in B.C. is now 1,618

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — The province reported no new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, although there were 43 new cases.

While 20 long-term care and assisted-living facilities, as well as one acute-care unit have active virus outbreaks, no new ones were recorded and five have been declared over, according the a joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The province also clarified that the outbreak at Broadway Pentecostal Lodge was influenza, not COVID-19.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in B.C. is now 1,618. The total number of deaths remains at 78.

#BREAKING No deaths recorded over last 24 hours in #BC from #COVID19, but 43 new cases bring total count up to 1618.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says no new outbreaks recorded and some wrong information reported Thursday has been corrected. #bcpoli @NEWS1130 — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) April 17, 2020

The province also reported there are now 63 cases of COVID-19 associated with the federal prison in Mission, with six people in hospital.

“Fraser Health officials continue to work with Correction Services Canada to manage this outbreak,” says the joint release.

The coroner’s service is investigating an inmate death, apparently from COVID-19, related to Mission Institution.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 recovery rate criteria for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has been updated.

“New methods include consideration for specific patient symptomology,” says the province. “This has resulted in the decrease in patients considered recovered.”

The new provincial recovery rate for the more than 1,600 cases of COVID-19 is now 60 per cent.

Of the total cases, 119 people remain in hospital, with 52 in intensive care, down some from the previous day.

Earlier Friday, the province released modelling that showed B.C.’s epidemic curve is well below initial projections and COVID-19 cases have plateaued and even started to decline.

“The modelling we released today clearly shows the resiliency and 100 per cent commitment of everyone in B.C. is having a positive impact. We are bending the curve,” says the province.

“What happens next is directly tied to your continued efforts. We still have new cases, new outbreaks and tragically, new deaths. We cannot afford a resurgence that will undo all of the effort and sacrifices we have made so far.”

The province reiterated that physical distancing and other health and safety measures must continue.

“Our new normal in the months ahead will be a modification of what we are doing now. The physical distancing measures, staying home if you are ill and following good hand hygiene will continue. And, it is vital that we continue to show care and compassion for those around us.”