16 new cases of COVID-19, two more deaths recorded in BC

In the province's Monday COVID-19 briefing, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said that since Saturday, there have been 16 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths recorded in BC.

As of Monday, there are 2,444 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with 335 active cases and 47 hospitalized cases. 12 of those cases are in intensive care or critical care.

BC's Restart Plan begins on Tuesday, which Dr. Henry says may be difficult for some British Columbians.

"For many, the transition brings anticipation, but it also for many brings further apprehension and anxiety as schools and businesses look to open once again," Dr. Henry said.

"Me, trying it out yesterday, had some challenges. I had a small number of friends over and we sat outside at appropriate distance from each other," she added.

"It was a bit awkward and strange, and a little bit anxiety-provoking not having socialized for several months."

During the briefing, Dr. Henry said that she "could see" long-term care homes reopening to essential visitors, with hopes that the opportunity is available to residents and family members sometime in June.

BC Health Minister Adrian Dix reminded British Columbians to maintain physical distancing, even with eased restrictions beginning with Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan.

"Despite the changes we'll see around us starting tomorrow what we won't see is the most important fact of all: COVID-19 is still with us in every single health region in this province," he said.

"No matter what phase we're in, throughout the summer and well beyond, physical distance remains our constant companion."

Dix and Dr. Henry also took a moment to pass on their condolences regarding the fatal Canadian Snowbirds crash in Kamloops that killed Captain Jennifer Casey and seriously injured Captain Richard MacDougall.