B.C. Health officials say there have been 43 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, for a total of 1,618 across the province.

It includes one new case in the Interior Health area, for a total of 150 cases. No new deaths were reported today, with the death toll in B.C. still at 78 people.

Across the province, there are now 119 people in hospital, 52 in intensive care.

“There have been no new outbreaks in the last day,” said Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. “In total, 20 long-term care and assisted-living facilities, and one acute-care unit have active outbreaks.”

Henry says outbreaks have ended at five facilities, and one facility – Broadway Pentecostal Lodge – had been included in error yesterday.

“We have confirmed that the outbreak at Broadway Pentecostal Lodge was an influenza outbreak and not COVID-19,” Henry added.

There are 63 cases of COVID-19 now associated with the Mission Institution, with six people in hospital. It is an increase of two cases from yesterday.

As well, there are now 966 people who have fully recovered from the virus, a decrease of 17 since yesterday.

“Recovery criteria for the Vancouver Health Authority have been updated to more accurately reflect recovery,” said Henry. “New methods include consideration for specific patient symptomology. This has resulted in the decrease in patients considered recovered.”

Henry and Heath Minister Adrian Dix released new modelling today that shows restrictions put in place in the province have been having a positive impact. Officials are hoping that some restrictions will be eased in about month from now.

“We are in the eye of the storm in a Category 5 hurricane,” Henry said. “The risk is still very high and there are many unknowns, but we are hopeful that with all of us standing strong, the storm will continue to lessen.”

“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.”