Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr.
COVID Update

Five new cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health, 155 in B.C.

Oct 16, 2020 | 3:14 PM

VICTORIA–There are five new cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Health region.

That brings the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 350 in the north. 155 new cases, including nine epi-linked cases, were reported province-wide for a total of 11,189 since March.

Cases by Health Region:

  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 4,036
  • Fraser Health: 5,884
  • Vancouver Island Health: 240
  • Interior Health: 590
  • Northern Health: 350
  • People who reside outside of Canada: 89

1,513 cases are active across the province. 72 people are in hospital and of those 26 are in ICU. 3,713 people are under public health monitoring after coming into contact with a confirmed case of the virus.

There is one new death, bringing B.C.’s death toll to 251. There are no new health care facility outbreaks, and one was declared over, for a total of 17 active outbreaks in the health care system. One new community outbreak has been announced at a Tim Hortons location in Merritt, B.C.

“Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.”–Joint statement by, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Stephen Brown, deputy minister of health

As the provincial election nears, health officials have some tips for voters. “To ensure the safety of voters, election workers and candidates, Elections BC has COVID-19 safety plans in place for all locations,” reads the statement.

For those that are planning on voting in person, there are a few reminders.

“If you are planning on voting in person, remember to give others the space to stay safe when going to vote, wash your hands before and after voting, and consider using a mask if distancing is a challenge.”–Joint statement by, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Stephen Brown, deputy minister of health

For those who may be self-isolating and looking to vote they can contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 for more information and assistance.

Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr.