B.C.'s COVID-19 numbers continue to climb with no signs of slowing down.
In a written statement this afternoon (Sept. 15), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 97 new COVID-19 cases discovered in the past day, bringing the province's total to 7,376.
Northern Health has nine of the new cases for a new total of 225.
There were no new deaths reported today from Dr. Henry, a day after she announced northern B.C.'s first COVID casualty (Sept. 14).
She said the woman, who was in her 70s, passed away in hospital after contracting the virus at an "event." She did not disclose which one or the location where she passed away.
There are two listed exposure events listed by Northern Health that remain in effect:
- It Is Time Canada religious gathering = Deadwood, Alta. (July 30-Aug. 2)
- Prespatou region = No address (Month of August)
Haida Gwaii has recorded the only COVID-19 community outbreak in northern B.C., which was declared over on Aug. 28.
There are 1,590 active cases in B.C. with 63 currently in hospital and 20 in ICU while 5,548 have recovered.
Dr. Henry adds there are 3,001 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
There have been 2,608 recorded cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, 3,784 in the Fraser Health region, 195 in Island Health and 479 in the Interior Health region.
There have been 97 new COVID-19 cases discovered in the past 24 hours in B.C. Northern Health has 9 of those for new total of 225. There are 63 in hospital and 20 of them in ICU. Officials add 0 new deaths w/ total staying at 219 #bcpoli #covid19bc #cityofpg @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) September 15, 2020
“There is much that we know about COVID-19 and much that we continue to learn each day," Henry said in the release.
"What we do know is that now is the time for all of us to take a step back so we can move forward safely. To do this, we need to do our part to break the chains of transmission in B.C.
“We must hold steady with our layers of protection. From keeping safe distances to washing our hands, staying home, and staying away from others when we are ill and have symptoms of COVID-19, we must all do our part. And if we do have symptoms, contact 811 to arrange to get tested.
“This is time to get ready for the fall and winter seasons, to set the routines that ensure we stick with six people and avoid activities that will put ourselves and those we care for at risk."
- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters
