B.C. health officials provide daily #COVID19 update #bcpoli https://www.pscp.tv/w/cYsU5DEyOTUwMTJ8MXpxS1ZsQm9uV1hKQkGrxdIHi_7ifdGMvf1ydiN5x8xfV3nZKZM4-HM8THMn

B.C. has 16 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, for a total of 2,376, says Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Cases by health authority:

Vancouver Coastal Health = 877
Fraser Health = 1,137
Island Health = 125
Interior Health = 180
Northern Health = 57

Dr. Henry reports 1 new death, for a total of 132.

59 people are in hospital, with 14 in intensive care.

1,859 people have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. — about 78 per cent of confirmed cases.

20 active outbreaks (15 in long-term care homes and 5 in acute-care facilities). 299 residents and 190 staff have tested positive.

B.C.-wide COVID-19 survey launched Tuesday, asking people to share their pandemic experience. More than 75,000 people have responded as of noon Wednesday, says Dr. Henry. She encourages young people to complete the survey. "We need to hear from you."

As the province enters Phase 2 on May 19, Dr. Henry says the limit of gatherings of up to 50 people remains in place. She says that number is permissible only if there's enough space for everyone to maintain a safe distance. The order will remain for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Henry offers more details of what social interaction might look like in the coming weeks. "If you’re thinking about adding others to your bubble, keep your group small. Find those people who it is most important to spend time with. Keep them small and consistent."

When you're going out, make sure it's with one small group of people. "Don't change it up every day. That's not going to be helpful right now. You need to commit to each other in the coming weeks and months that you're going to protect each other and care for each other."

Don't share drinks or food with friends. If you choose to spend time indoors, stay apart as much as you can and keep your visits shorter, says Dr. Henry.

Starting next week, religious services can be held with safe physical distancing and a limit of 50 people, provided there's enough space in the venue. "Be mindful of the room you're in, how long the service may be and who are your congregants."

Large retail stores and department stores can have more than 50 people if they can maintain safe physical distancing, Dr. Henry says. The time we spend in stores should be "short and efficient."

Dr. Henry says she wants people to be able to enjoy barbecues this summer. If you're inviting friends, think about how you'll do it safely and consider who's in your household, she says. Keep groups small. Provide individual servings rather than buffets. Space out your chairs.

Dr. Henry says she understands people want clear rules that apply to everyone. "But the reality is our path forward is individual based on our own unique circumstances. That goes for businesses as well."

Use this weekend to have conversations with your friends and family, Dr. Henry says. "Everybody in B.C. has shown incredible determination and that is why we are at the place where we are now."

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix re: long weekend travel: "If you do not need to go somewhere, even if it's a second home, even it's a place you go to every Victoria Day weekend —  the way we can help one another is not to engage in non-essential travel."

Dix cautions against judging those who decide to travel for whatever reason. He asks those travelling to bring their own food and limit contact with the community.

Can family members in separate cities visit each other? Dr. Henry says it's complicated. Offers example of her friend visiting his aunt, whose husband recently died. "She's been on her own. ... Those are types of things that may be essential travel."

Dr. Henry stresses the potential date of reopening for restaurants and hair salons is May 19. She says guidelines from WorkSafeBC should be coming out in the next day or so. "It's going to be a progression over a period of time depending on individual situations."

Dr. Henry asked about the serological test approved for use by Health Canada. She expects more tests to be approved and says plans are underway in B.C. for serology testing. She notes tests are not 100 per cent accurate, and says false positives and false negatives are an issue.