Northern Health caught a break today (July 28).
The regional authority remains at 80 positive COVID-19 cases after no new ones were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest update from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
This includes 12 active cases, all of which are linked to the epidemiological outbreak on Haida Gwaii, and all are self-isolating.
B.C., on the other hand, earned itself another reasonable spike with 23 new cases since Monday (July 27), rising the grand total of 3,523.
One more person passed away from the virus; the death toll now sits at 194.
"There continues to be additional community exposure events throughout the province," said Dr. Henry, as well as B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix, in a written statement.
“As we all look ahead to the upcoming B.C. Day long weekend, let’s ensure it is a safe weekend for all of us. Whether it is enjoying the local parks, staying at a vacation rental or out for dinner, keeping our groups small and maintaining safe distances will protect ourselves and those around us."
Dr. Henry announced on Monday a new provincial order that prohibits more than five visitors to vacation rental accommodations, which includes hotel rooms and houseboats, and, if you plan on having that many people, are required to take their contact information.
“Let’s make sure COVID-19 doesn’t take our summer away by taking steps to bend our curve back down, this weekend and every weekend.”
More than 87 per cent of those tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered; that's 3,076 of the overall number.
Currently, nine people are hospitalized, marking the first time in the pandemic the number has dropped below 10 with three in critical care.
In northern B.C., no one is admitted in hospital or intensive care, and no one died succumbed to COVID-19 since the region's first recorded case on March 9.
The largest spike came on July 22 with eight new ones, all travel-related and exposure to other infected or previously-infected persons.
