The toll COVID-19 has exacted on Northern Health grew by one on Wednesday, pushing the running total to 31 for the region, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
The fatality was among eight reported province-wide, bringing the total to 962.
As well, hospitalizations stood at 39, a jump of 12 from midday Tuesday, while the count in intensive care declined by two to 15.
Despite 43 new cases being reported, at 326, the number of active cases maintained a downward trend after a peak of 584 on December 31.
Northern Health's positivity rate - the percentage of tests that yield positive results - stood at 16.5 per cent as of Tuesday, based on a seven-day rolling average.
That's down from a high of 17.5 per cent as of New Year's Day but is still more than double that for B.C. as a whole. A rate above five per cent is usually a cause for concern, health officials say.
In a joint statement provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix urged people to look after their mental health and well-being.
"Let's remember that no matter how dark the days may be, we are all in this storm together and you are not alone: support is available, if you need it.
"While the number of new cases and those with serious illness is higher than any of us want, there is light ahead, and with each day that we do our part and more people get immunized, that light gets brighter.
"No one is immune to this virus, but everyone can make a difference. Connection is important to all of us, so reach out to someone who may be struggling and show them you care.
"Our individual experiences may be unique, but we are in this together. By showing kindness and compassion to those around us, it will help all of us get to the brighter days ahead."
The province reported 625 new cases of COVID-19. The new numbers bring the province's total number of cases since the pandemic began to 55,254, with 6,343 active cases.
The province says 33,665 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
- with files from The Canadian Press
