BC’s top doctor says the province has managed to effectively flatten the COVID-19 curve, however, the potential for a second wave remains.
According to new data modeling presented on Tuesday, over the past two months, social interaction rates have increased from 30% during the peak of lockdown restrictions to roughly 65% of normal.
Dr. Bonnie Henry had previously said BC could increase contact rates to 60% during phase two of the reopening plan, meaning the province is hovering right on the threshold.
Tuesday's modelling also shows that BC's reproductive number, which represents the number of people one new case could possibly transmit to, has dropped for 11 in March down to one.
However, while new cases are still being identified each day, the increase in contact levels has not led to any large outbreaks.
Premier John Horgan is expected to announce a move to phase three as early as Wednesday.
BC health officials also confirmed 13 new coronavirus cases in the province on Tuesday, along with one additional death related to the virus.
The total number of active cases currently sits at 174, with16 people in hospital, and seven of those are in ICU.
The latest death was a person in long-term care in the Vancouver Coastal Health region
