No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the Northern Health region on Friday, and only four new cases across the province.
In a joint statement issued by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, they said the total number of cases in the province since the beginning of the outbreak rose to 2,562, while the number in the north remained at 63.
"There are 228 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,170 people who tested positive have recovered," the statement said. "Of the total COVID-19 cases, 34 individuals are hospitalized, six of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation."
No new deaths linked to COVID-19 were reported Friday, leaving the provincial death toll from the pandemic at 164. No deaths linked to the pandemic have been reported in northern B.C.
The number of people hospitalized in the Northern Health region wasn't provided, but on Thursday the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported one COVID-19 patient was hospitalized and in critical care in northern B.C.
The B.C. CDC also reported Thursday that 61 people in the north had fully recovered from COVID-19, leaving only two active cases in the north.
While the case counts were low this week, the province is continuing to move carefully, the statement said.
"Easing restrictions can be done only after thoughtful consideration," the joint statement said. "Our focus and priority are the health and safety of all British Columbians. With your help and all of us doing our part, we will get through this storm together."
Business operators and workers looking for information about operating safety can find the latest information online at www.worksafebc.com or by phoning 1-888-621-SAFE(7233).
