British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Thursday 20 new cases of COVID-19 and two additional deaths from the disease.
Among the 20 new cases (19 tested positive, plus one assumed) is a teacher from the Fraser Health region.
Henry said the teacher was isolated from students and had no interaction with them.
“As you know, we anticipated and planned for this potential when we returned to classes in B.C. …We’ve moved quickly when cases are identified and this is the second case identified in a school,” she said.
Henry took a moment to address the fact today is the last in-class day of the school year for K-12 students, congratulating them for the finished year.
The two deaths occurred in nursing homes.
“I want to pass on our condolences to the families in what is unquestionably a difficult time,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
There are now 179 active, tested cases of COVID-19 in B.C. Of those, 15 people are hospitalized and seven are in the intensive-care unit.
Dix said the health system is continuing to chip away at 30,000 postponed or unscheduled surgeries. He said over the last three weeks, the system has performed over 6,000 such surgeries weekly, which is higher than the pre-COVID-19 rate of 6,000 weekly.
The 20 new cases were announced the day after British Columbia moved to Phase 3 of its restart plan and reopening non-essential travel, the film industry and entertainment venues.
Dix said it was important for everyone to stay vigilant by distancing, wearing masks when distancing isn’t possible, and washing hands frequently.
He alluded to the need to keep international borders closed, especially the U.S. border, where in Washington State and elsewhere cases are rising.
“We of course are hoping for the best for all our American friends. As we approach and open up and do things together, we must be vigilant because it’s in our interests to do so,” said Dix.
This story originally appeared in Business in Vancouver on June 25.
