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Northern Health records two new COVID-19 cases as two more people die from the virus in B.C.

Province reported 102 new positive tests
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
Dr. Bonnie Henry - Aug. 27, 2020
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C. Provincial Health Officer. (via Flickr/Province of B.C.)

Another triple-digit case-count day for B.C. with COVID-19.

In a written statement today (Oct. 6), Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 102 more positive tests for the virus in the province with just two of those in Northern Health.

The north has now recorded 324 COVID-19 cases since it landed in the region in March; there are 9,841 cases in all of B.C.

Dr. Henry explains 1,384 cases are active, 71 of those are currently hospitalized with 16 in intensive care.

More than 3,000 people are being actively monitored by result of potential exposure to known cases, while 8,184 people have completely recovered.

Sadly, the provincial health office reported two more virus-linked deaths took place in the last 24 hours, bringing B.C.'s toll to 244 since it landed in January.

PrinceGeorgeMatters has been told that none of the new deaths were in Northern Health's jurisdiction.

“People are doing the right thing and, as evidenced by the latest modelling data, individual actions are making a difference for all of us to stay safe and strong in the face of COVID-19," says Dr. Henry, stating B.C.'s curve is beginning to flatten once again.

“There is no question that what we do today directly influences the well-being of our communities tomorrow, so let’s continue to do our part to protect ourselves and each other – each day and every day."

On Monday (Oct. 5), Dawson Creek Secondary was reported as the sixth school in northern B.C. to be potentially exposed to COVID-19.

It also became the second School District 59 (SD59) institution added to Northern Health's watch list, possibly exposed between Sept. 23 to 25 on the South Peace campus.

"The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remains our highest priority," says Principal Josh Kurjata in a statement. 

"Please be reassured that our school will continue to implement the strict protocols and procedures we have in place so that children can continue to attend school as safely as possible."

The other regional schools on Northern Health's list are as follows:

  • Quesnel Junior Secondary School (SD28) = Sept. 10 and 11, 15 to 18
  • Ecole Frank Ross Elementary (SD59) = Sept. 10 and 11
  • Nak’albun Elementary School (Independent) = Sept. 16 to 18
  • David Hoy Elementary (SD91) = Sept. 17 and 18

Northern Health's school-exposure section explains students should still go to school "if you do not receive a phone call or letter from Public Health," but you're also encouraged to monitor symptoms daily.

Should a student or teacher receive a positive COVID-19 test, Northern Heath's school notification process is as follows:

  • Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with
  • We identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days
  • Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact
    • Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact
  • Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community