COVID-19 Staff Bulletin - Dec. 15, 2020

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

“Today is a momentous day in our province with the start of our first COVID-19 vaccine clinics. With immunizations now underway, those who are most vulnerable to severe illness have one more layer of protection that will get stronger as each new person gets immunized.”

- Dr. Bonnie Henry

Please note: Numbers are updated on weekdays at 5 p.m.

		New Cases	Today's Total Cases	Cumulative Total
BC	Total	522	9,860	43,463 (31,866 recovered)
	Hospitalized		361
	ICU Patients		93
	Deaths	21		668
VCH/PHC	Hospitalized	2	116	650
	ICU Patients	1	21	204
	On Ventilator	0	9	111
	Discharged	4	11	453
	Deaths (hospital/ICU)		1	86
PHC	Hospitalized	0	21	216
	ICU Patients	0	5	59
	On Ventilator	0	4	34
	Discharged (within the last 24 hours)	2		165
	Deaths		0	21

View British Columbia COVID-19 Dashboard

Situation Update

For Tuesday: 522 new cases of COVID-19, including eight epi-linked cases, for a total of 43,463 cases in British Columbia.
There are 9,860 active cases.
There are 361 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 93 of whom are in intensive care.
New cases by health authority region since Friday: VCH – 84 ; Fraser Health – 338; Island Health - 7; Interior Health - 56; Northern Health - 37, and no new cases of people who resides outside of Canada.
There have been 21 new deaths, for a total of 668 COVID-related deaths in the province.
There is one new health-care facility outbreak and one new community outbreak and a community cluster
The provincial health officer’s orders restricting all gatherings and events have been extended through to Jan. 8, 2021, at midnight. This includes gatherings in people’s homes and in public venues. Read the orders here.
Read Tuesday's joint statement on BC's COVID-19 response.

PROVIDENCE HEALTH CARE RESIDENTIAL CARE AIDE IS THE FIRST PERSON IN B.C. TO RECIEVE COVID-19 VACCINE

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Submitted by the PHC Pandemic Response Team

Nisha Yunus, has worked in Long-term care at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital for 41 years. She had the honour of getting B.C.’s first COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon with B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, standing nearby.

PHC COVID RESPONSE UPDATE

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

We continue to care for a steady number of COVID-positive patients in acute care. As of today, there are 21 hospitalized patients at PHC, 4 of them in ICU.

PROVIDENCE CELEBRATES LONG SERVICE AND MISSION AWARDS VIRTUALLY THIS YEAR

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

The Mission Integration and Culture team made sure all those who were celebrating career milestones and being recognized for their outstanding efforts were appreciated during a virtual celebration.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS: RECAP AND VIDEOS

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Our Long Service Recognition Program celebrates our dedicated and long-serving staff, medical staff and volunteers.

MISSION AWARDS: AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Providence’s Mission Awards recognize those individuals who engage and empower our people in meaningful ways and nurture a culture where every voice is heard. Please enjoy these videos celebrating this year's winners.

A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

If you missed it, please watch this recap video that showcases the strength, resilience and compassion that has got us to this point, and which we will need more than ever as we go forward into the holiday season.

HOLIDAY DECORATING GUIDELINES FOR 2020

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

In a year of constant change, it’s nice to know that we can still decorate for the holidays and bring cheer to our areas.

PHCRI YEAR IN REVIEW AND STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Please join the Providence Health Care Research Institute (PHCRI) for a virtual Town Hall event.

HANDS, WASHING HANDS…

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Thank you to everyone who tuned into last week’s pop-up Christmas Concert with the one and only Nearly Neil.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE WARY... OF HOLIDAY PHISHING ATTACKS

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Email security may not be top of mind during the holiday season; yet phishing attacks tend to spike this time of year.

JOIN CANADA’S SPIRITUAL CARE LEADERS FOR A VIRTUAL GATHERING OF LOSS, HEALING AND HOPE – DECEMBER 21

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

All are invited to attend a special virtual gathering of loss, healing and hope featuring consolations and blessings with PHC’s Lawrence Cheung, Spiritual Care Practitioner in Palliative Care at St. Paul’s Hospital, and spiritual care leaders across Canada.

EVENT | UBC CARE OF THE ELDERLY VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Event registration link: UBC Care of the Elderly Virtual Conference

PHC IN THE NEWS

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

Check out the latest media coverage featuring Providence Health Care.

Vancouver Sun: COVID-19 update for Dec. 15: 522 new cases, 21 deaths | Residential care worker gets B.C.'s first vaccine

STAFF WELLNESS AND SUPPORT

Dec 15, 2020 / 6:46pm PST

The Wellness & Support Team encourages you to reach out for help when you need it. You’re there for them. We’re there for you.

REMINDER: Please direct all media inquiries to Providence’s Communications & Public Relations team.

Ann Gibbon, Senior Communication Specialist, Media Relations
Email: agibbon@providencehealth.bc.ca

After-hours media line: 778-999-0064

Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions or concerns, please email COVID-19@providencehealth.bc.ca

Information and resource links:
PHC has a website for staff, medical staff, and researchers to address concerns, questions, protocols and guidelines around sick-leave and compensation-in-lieu for COVID-19. Click here to view the website. This website will be updated daily and is accessible from work and home on your mobile or desktop devices. THIS SHOULD BE YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR INFORMATION.