Photo courtesy Canadian Press
COVID-19

48 new cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health and one new death

Dec 8, 2020 | 4:16 PM

VICTORIA — Another tragic day in British Columbia due to COVID-19.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the virus has led to 16 new deaths, including one more in Northern Health. That brings the provincial death tally to 543 and to nine in northern B.C.

There were 566 new cases of the virus, including 48 in Northern Health.

Three hundred and fifty-two people are hospitalized in B.C., 41 in Northern Health. Provincially, 74 people are in critical care. Twelve people are in critical care in Northern Health.

There are 9,315 active cases of the virus in B.C., with 332 of those cases in Northern Health.

Today’s numbers prompted the following statement from Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix:

“While we have seen the start of encouraging trends in our COVID-19 curve, the number of new cases and people with serious illness requiring care in hospital remains high. This is why the public health orders and restrictions remain in place and why we must continue to stay local and keep to our households through the holiday season.

“Let’s make the coming weeks our ‘winter break’ by breaking the chain of transmission in our province. We can still be festive and enjoy the season, but let’s ensure it is only with our immediate household or, if you live on your own, with one or two close contacts.

“Take in the holiday lights in your neighbourhood, have a virtual visit with friends or support a ‘drive in and drop off’ charitable toy drive.

“Let’s work together to protect our communities and those who are most vulnerable and make it a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.”

As a result of all the continuing challenges of COVID-19, the provincial government has extended its state of emergency until December 22.

The Province continues to use, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, measures under the Emergency Program Act to limit the spread of COVID-19, including issuing tickets for owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s orders. Between Aug. 21 and Dec. 4, 2020, 194 violation tickets were issued, including:

* 36 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s order on gatherings and events;

* 16 $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO’s Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order; and

* 142 $230 tickets issued to individuals who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.