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B.C. adds 90 COVID-19 cases, new record for most active

Two new deaths from virus
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
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B.C. Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Réka Gustafson. (via Government of B.C. Flickr)

The numbers aren't slowing down.

In a written statement, B.C.'s Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Réka Gustafson and Minister of Health Adrian Dix announced today (Aug. 21) 90 more COVID-19 cases have been discovered in the last 24 hours for a grand total of 4,915.

Northern Health has one new case and a recorded total of 122 since the pandemic began. The authority has 16 active cases with 106 having recovered. 

Officials announced two more deaths from the virus, bringing the fatality rate to 202.

B.C. now has 824 active cases across the province, which is the new record, as well as 14 in hospital and five in ICU. There have been 3,889 people that have fully recovered. 

Currently, there are 2,594 people under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.

“COVID-19 is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. What that means for British Columbians is that we are all learning to live our lives with the virus in our communities," the statement reads.

"Public health teams know what they need to do and so do you. We know that with appropriate protective measures, we can reduce the risk of COVID-19 and live our lives."

The BCCDC also released the updated geographic distribution of COVID-19 by Health Service Delivery Area of Case Residence.

The numbers are as follows: 

JAN. 1 to AUG. 20

  • Northwest: 42
  • Northern Interior: 37 (area includes Prince George)
  • Northeast: 42

AUG. 7 to AUG. 20

  • Northwest: 1
  • Northern Interior: 1 (area includes Prince George)
  • Northeast: 26
MAPTOTALS

There have been 1,569 cases recorded in Vancouver Coastal Health, 2,572 in Fraser Health, 160 in the Island Health region and 417 in Interior Health.

"COVID-19 prevention looks different in different places. In public, around people we do not know, we focus on giving people more space," the statement adds.

"In workplaces and classrooms where we interact with people we know, keeping our groups smaller, staying home when sick and reducing very close face-to-face contact is the goal."

Earlier today, the province announced stiff penalties for those that choose to disobey the province's health orders after a rise in cases in young people. 

The provincial government says it is enabling police and bylaw authorities to issue $2,000 penalties to organizers of large events and gatherings, as well as $200 tickets individuals who refuse to leave parties or follow safe operating plans at places like restaurants. 

“There is a small minority of selfish individuals across the province who are disregarding the public health measures in place,” Farnworth said. 

“Enough is enough,” he added.

The $2,000 tickets will be issued to organizers of events or owners of properties that facilitate large gatherings of more than 50 people. Not keeping a list and contact information of event attendees, or hosting more than five guests in a vacation rental will also incur the $2,000 fine.

“We will be targeting venues, promoters and as necessary, we’ll also be taking action against problematic attendees and individuals,” Farnworth said.

Police and bylaw will be able to issue $200 tickets to anyone actively encouraging large events or refusing to disperse when directed to do so. Anyone who refuses to follow a businesses guidelines or engages in “bullying or abusive” behaviour towards employees can also be fined $200.

Dr. Bonnie Henry will return next week after taking a vacation.

- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters, Colin Dacre, Castanet, and Graeme Wood, Glacier Media