B.C.’s closely watched COVID-19 cases were revised this week after a mistake in provincial data.
In their joint statement Wednesday, the province’s top health officials revealed the error.
What appeared to be a record high of 941 new cases reported on Tuesday — 678 in the Fraser Health region — was actually a mistake.
"We are also reporting a data correction in the daily case numbers in the Fraser Health region. Due to an error in the transfer of data from a lab to the health authority, there were errors in the new cases reported from Nov. 17 to 24. The data has been reviewed and authenticated,” Dr. Bonnie Henry stated in a press release on Wednesday.
Added to that case load was another 443 positive COVID-19 cases in the Fraser Health region in the 24-hour period since Tuesday.
It’s not clear what the mistake was or how they affected the numbers.
However, other media are reporting a number of changes took place. The correction saw total case numbers increase on several days, but also saw Tuesday’s record-breaking 941 new cases revised down to 706.
More information will be released on BC Centre for Disease Control’s COVID-19 dashboard in the coming days.
In the adjusted numbers, the provincial health officer and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, said there were 738 new cases of COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours, for a total of 29,086 cases in British Columbia since January.
There were also 7,816 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 294 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, 61 of whom are in intensive care.
These numbers are expected to be added to today, Thursday, with further reporting.
Indoor mask-wearing was also underscored in the statement released to the media, including a comprehensive list of the locations where the order applies, as well as the individuals who are exempt from this order is available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960
"It is important to remember that while masks are now required in many locations, not everyone is able to wear a mask. If you see someone without a mask, understand that while we are all in the same storm, each of our circumstances is unique,” Henry said. "This virus is putting a strain on all of us, which is why compassion and care for others is so important right now.”
