Last COVID-19 update before the long weekend sees biggest number of new cases since April

BC announced 50 additional cases of COVID-19, with 45 being new positive tests for COVID-19 and five being epidemiologically linked.

That's the highest number of new daily cases reported since April 27 when officials announced 58 new cases.

Officials also reported an additional COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.

A new outbreak at a long-term care home in Burnaby has also been confirmed.

There are currently 278 active cases in the province, including only five people in hospital, two of whom are in intensive care.

That's the lowest number since mid-March and 144 less than at the height of the pandemic in April.

"We can make this B.C. Day holiday weekend one where we find the right balance: having those important social connections with our friends and family, while taking precautions to protect ourselves and those around us," said officials in a written statement.

"Let's socialize safely by keeping our groups small, using the layers of protection and giving everyone enough space to stay safe, whether at a backyard barbecue, on a friend's boat or enjoying a nearby park."