Northern Health ends June COVID-19 free for three straight weeks

Back-to-back-to-back.

Northern Health has now been free of any new test-positive COVID-19 cases for three consecutive weeks, staying at 65 to end the month of June.

All of those cases have fully recovered; the last recorded case was announced Tuesday, June 9 by Dr. Bonnie Henry.

In a written update today (June 30), the Provincial Health Officer reported 12 new cases across B.C. in the last 24 hours, increasing the grand total to 2,916 since the pandemic reached the west coast.

For a second straight day, nobody passed away from the virus in the province, keeping the death toll at 174 deaths, none of which have occurred in northern B.C.

Of the current case total, 152 remain active, 18 are in hospital and four in critical care, but 2,590, or 89 per cent of cases, have recovered.

Health officials announced earlier today that long-term care facilities and seniors assisted-living residences can now begin allowing visitors.

“British Columbians have flattened the curve, single-site staffing is in place and facilities have been given the additional resources to safely allow for seniors and Elders who have been separated from their loved ones to connect once again," said Henry.

“Like many other areas within our province, with safety plans and precautions in place, we can now slowly and thoughtfully move forward.

“Tomorrow, as we all celebrate Canada Day, we remind everyone to follow the rules for safe social interactions, limit your interactions and keep your bubbles small, maintain a safe distance from others and stay home if you are feeling ill.

“While this will be a different Canada Day for all of us, there are many virtual celebrations being planned and other fun ways to safely connect with friends and family. By doing our part, we can continue to keep our curve flat and protect our communities and those we care for most.”