No new COVID-19 deaths in BC, Dr. Henry 'excited' about Vancouver possibly hosting NHL hockey

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 11 new cases of COVID-19 during her daily press conference on Tuesday.

For the first time since April 17, Dr. Henry had no new deaths to report from the virus.

Also on Tuesday, the NHL announced plans to have a 24-team playoff season with Vancouver believed to be one of six potential "hub cities" that would host the season.

Dr. Henry was asked whether NHL players could potentially be designated as essential workers and be allowed to cross the border into Canada.

"I'm excited to hear that Vancouver is in the running, I would love to have hockey, but we have been clear that we will not bend the rules and sacrifice what we have achieved here," said Dr. Henry.

"We're happy to see a plan and see what we can do, but we won’t be changing the rules."

Health minister Adrain Dix reported that BC hospitals are now operating at a 69% occupancy rate, with critical care beds operating at a 50% rate.

Across the province, there are 258 active cases, 37 people in hospital with the virus and seven people in critical care.

BC has had 2,541 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 161 people have died from the illness, with 2,122 positive cases having fully recovered.