'Stay home this weekend': Dr. Henry asks residents to lay low as BC announces 5 new COVID-19 deaths

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Wednesday that the province has confirmed another 45 cases of COVID-19.

Five more deaths were also announced, bringing BC's death toll to 48.

The total number of cases in BC now sits at 1,336, with 226 of those cases confirmed in people living or working in long-term care or assisted-living facilities.

On a positive note, Henry reported that the number of coronavirus patients in hospital has fallen slightly once again to 135, with 61 people in intensive care.

A total of 838 people have recovered from their illness.

Effective immediately, everyone arriving in BC from abroad will be required to have a 14-day self-isolation plan. Officials will review your plan to make sure it is safe before you will be able to proceed home to self-isolate. https://t.co/VRnqtWfXrM #COVIDBC #DoYourPartBC + pic.twitter.com/PLTrzRlawd

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) April 8, 2020

On Wednesday, two new measures were announced to protect BC from the virus, starting with the immediate closure of all provincial parks.

The province also announced that every traveller returning to BC from outside of Canada in the coming weeks will now be required to submit a formal self-isolation plan.

Health minister Adrian Dix emphasized that British Columbians should stay at home and not travel to holiday homes in small communities with fewer resources to wait out the pandemic.

Officials are also urging everyone to mark religious holidays by virtually visiting family and friends.

To watch the full provincial health update, click here.