B.C. reports 3 new deaths, 18 new cases of COVID-19

British Columbia has recorded three new deaths from COVID-19, along with 18 new cases of the disease.

However, the provincial confirmed-case total climbed to 2,507 on Friday, an increase of 28, as the province is now including some cases from Alberta.

More than 81 per cent of B.C.’s cases have recovered, while 155 people have died of COVID-19.

B.C. is still dealing with 310 active cases of the novel coronavirus.

On Friday, 41 of those cases were in hospital, eight of them in intensive care.

An outbreak of COVID-19 at Lions Gate Hospital has also been declared over. There were no new outbreaks in long-term or acute care facilities on Friday.

The provincial health order banning gatherings of more than 50 people has now been amended to include drive-in events.

A restriction has also been placed on concessions at such drive in events, and attendees must stay in their vehicles unless they are using the washroom.

As of Friday, the province says more than 275,000 people have filled out a survey on their experiences and the actions they’ve taken during the pandemic.

The province says people who take the survey can also indicate their interest in taking part in future studies, including a serology blood test to understand immunity to the virus.