There have been 191 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Northern Health today (Oct. 20) and there are now 864 active cases in the region.
There are also currently 72 people hospitalized for COVID-19 the Northern Health Authority including 20 people in critical care.
No deaths occurred in Northern Health today, but six new deaths were reported elsewhere in B.C.
The province is also reporting 696 new cases of COVID-19 and 4,888 active cases. Of the active cases 370 individuals are in hospital throughout the province and 139 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.
There’s also a total of 24 active healthcare facility outbreaks including two outbreaks at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George, the GR Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel and Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton.
The province is reporting that from Oct. 12-18, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 67.2 per cent of cases and from Oct. 5-18, they accounted for 74.9 per cent of hospitalizations.
New public health orders were announced in the Northern Health Region on Oct. 14 and remain in place until Nov. 19.
In response to these orders the City of Prince George made the following changes:
- Aquafit Classes at the Prince George Aquatic Centre are now cancelled.
- The number of participants allowed to walk on the CN Centre concourse as part of the public walking program has been reduced from 75 to 50.
- User groups, such as the Prince George Cougars, making use of civic facilities and arenas are required to have their own Covid-19 safety plan that includes vaccine passport checks. Attendance at the facilities is capped at 50 per cent.
“The health of our citizens is of paramount importance to the City of Prince George,” said Mayor Lyn Hall.
“We are continuing to work with Northern Health to ensure we are in strict compliance with all Public Health Orders. We also continue to be fully committed to taking any necessary measures to ensure our staff and our citizens are safe and healthy.”
The new orders in the Northern Health region are as follows:
- Personal gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, are restricted to fully vaccinated people, including at private residences and vacation accommodation
- Indoor gathering: up to 5 people are permitted
- Outdoor gathering: up to 25 people are permitted
- All indoor and outdoor organized events require a safety plan and for attendees to wear a mask and present their BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated
- Indoor event: up to 50 people are permitted
- Outdoor event: up to 100 people are permitted
- Worship services: virtual services are required
- Restaurants:
- Fast-food restaurants and unlicensed cafés without table service can provide take-out only or require patrons to present the BC Vaccine card showing they are fully vaccinated.
- Licensed establishments and those with table service must not serve alcohol between 10 p.m.-9 a.m. and must require patrons to present the BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated.
- Bars and nightclubs (no meal service) will be closed
- Sport events spectators (indoor and outdoor) are limited to 50 per cent capacity, must have a safety plan, and require attendees to wear masks and present their BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated
