One new case of COVID-19 in northern B.C.

Provincial health authorities reported one new case of COVID-19 in northern B.C. on Friday.

A joint statement issued by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix reported 55 cases in the Northern Health region, since the beginning of the pandemic.

"Today we are announcing 29 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2,315 cases in British Columbia," the joint statement said. "We are saddened to report one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 127 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones."

Across B.C., 73 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, of which 20 were in intensive care. As of Friday, 1,579 people in B.C had fully recovered from the disease.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported three people in the Northern Health region remain hospitalized with COVID-19, including one in intensive care. A total of 49 people in the north have fully recovered from the disease.

"Public health teams are also providing support to a number of community outbreaks, actively contact tracing those who may be directly affected and their close contacts. There has been no change in the number of confirmed positive cases at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, United Poultry in Vancouver or at the Mission Institution federal correctional centre," the joint statement said. "There are now 61 positive cases at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam and 17 connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta."

Throughout the province, there are 16 long-term care or assisted-living facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks, and five outbreaks in acute-care hospital units.

The statement reminded B.C. residents that the province has not yet moved to Phase 2 of its B.C. Restart Plan, and urged people not to relax their guard.

"Until we move into Phase 2, the orders, restrictions and guidance remain in place," the joint statement said. "Physical distancing is here to stay. We must continue to keep a safe physical distance from anyone outside of our household."

Anyone showing any signs is illness, even if it just appears to be seasonal allergies or a cold, is ordered to stay home.

Residents were also reminded to avoid any unnecessary travel.

"Travelling anywhere increases the likelihood of making us an unintentional carrier for COVID-19. While essential travel must continue, personal travel needs to be minimized, wherever possible," the joint statement said. "This weekend is Mother's Day and a time to celebrate and honour someone important to us. We can all do something special for our mothers, whether they are near or far, in your household bubble or not. For now, avoid any close physical contact, unless your mother is in your immediate household. And if your mother is older, awaiting surgery or has an underlying illness, celebrate at a safe distance. Give your mother the gift of staying safe and healthy."