'We are moving forward,' Dr. Bonnie Henry says, as B.C. continues to show low numbers of new COVID-19 cases

THE LATEST:

• 12 more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in British Columbia since Saturday, bringing the total to 2,530.
• Four more people have died in the past 48hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to 161.
• There are 267 active cases in B.C.
• 37 people are in hospital, seven of them inICU.
• 2,102 people have recovered, representing 83per cent of people diagnosed with COVID-19in B.C.
• There are 14ongoing outbreaks in long-term care homes, and two ongoing outbreaks in acute care facilities.
• No new outbreaks were reported Monday.
• New data could be reported next week to show how B.C.'s reopening has progressed.
• Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said despite outbreaks at some facilities, there are no concerns that COVID-19 can be transmitted via food.
• Big demand for camping this summer is a positive sign, Henry says.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said early signs are promising as B.C. relaxes health guidance and restrictions to control the coronavirus pandemic.

Henry said there has been "significant progress" in B.C. and new case numbers continue to track low.

"We are moving forward," Henry said. "Our success so far, and our ability to ease restrictions relies on our shared commitment and effort and we need that to continue."

Henry reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Monday. That brings B.C.'s total to 2,530cases.

Monday's update reflected cases detected since Saturday afternoon.There was no Sunday update.

Five of the cases reported Monday were detected between Saturday and Sunday. The other seven were detected between Sunday and Monday.

Henry also reported fournew deaths connected to COVID-19, all residents of long-term care facilities. In all, 161British Columbians have died of the novel coronavirus.

Henry said there are 37 British Columbians in hospital with COVID-19 and of those, seven are in intensive care.There are 14 ongoing outbreaks in long-term and assisted care facilities. Two of the outbreaks involveacute care units.

No new outbreaks were reported Monday in long-term care, acute-care units or in the community.

Henry said B.C. currently has 267 active cases of COVID-19. Sofar, 2,102 people who have tested positive for the diseasehave fully recovered.

This coming week, she said, will be closely monitored and new data will be shared next week to help understand where B.C. stands in terms of its reopening.

Henry said as individuals, British Columbians are doing the right things, following rules about safe social interactions and taking precautions.

"I really do take that as a positive sign," shesaid. "People are doing the right things."

Watch as Health Minister Adrian Dix explains why visits to long-term care homes won't be allowed soon:

Adrian Dix: Visits at long-term care homes aren't on the immediate horizon

4 years ago

Duration 1:32

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said it is 'heartbreaking' that families can't see each other in long-term care, but it's absolutely necessary right now due to COVID-19.

No food supply concerns

Henry said officials continue to monitor outbreaks at several B.C. food facilities buthave no concerns about coronavirus transmission through the food supply.

She said she had received questions about whether COVID-19 could be transmitted via food after several facilities in the province reported outbreaks.

"The food supply is safe and continues to be safe, including from facilities where there have been outbreaks," Henry said, addingthere have been no reported cases of COVID-19 being transmitted through food or food packaging.

Parks website woes

On Monday, the B.Cenvironment ministerapologized for delays on theB.C. Parks website, which crashed immediately after opening for summerprovincial campsitebookings.

The province announced last week that recreational camping may resume on June 1, and that spots would be open to B.C. residents only.

Henry said the high demand is a good sign.

"[It is] areflection that we are taking to heart the need to stay close to home this summer and to experience all the many beautiful places in our province," she said.

Nearly50,000 people tried to book at once, prompting the crash.

If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us atimpact@cbc.ca.