Things continue to go from bad to worse in B.C. as COVID-19 cases continue to rise rapidly.
According to new data from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Northern Health's seven-day moving average positivity rate sits at 14.3 per cent.
The authority used to be the only area in B.C. in double digits, but now two other authorities, and the overall provincial rate, are in the same category.
Fraser Health comes in at 12 per cent while Vancouver Coastal Health has a rate of 11.3 per cent.
Interior Health and Island Health both remain in single digits, sitting at 6.6 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively.
The seven-day moving average for B.C. is 10.2 per cent.
Restrictions remain in place throughout the province until April 19, including indoor dining at all food and liquor-serving restaurants paused. Outdoor patio dining, take-out and delivery services are still allowed.
Included in the amendment, Dr. Henry announced a halt on indoor adult group fitness activities, but individual or one-on-one activities may still take place, also noting that these kinds of settings 'amplify' the spread of COVID-19.
"It's with a heavy heart that I say this, but I can not in all conscious, with the increase number of cases we're having, [...] allow these types of activities to happen right now," Henry said on March 30.
She says travel throughout B.C. must now be essential for medical or work-related reasons only.
"Social connection is important, and so is keeping our loved ones and ourselves safe.
"We all have a choice – to stay safe or put our loved ones, our friends and ourselves at risk, which is why non-essential activities need to be limited and need to be outside with the same small number of people. The sacrifices we make today will help all of us to get through this storm."
As of this publication, Northern Health has a recorded total of 6,294 confirmed cases since March of 2020 with 340 currently active.
There are 34 people hospitalized, with nine of those in ICU/critical care.
The BCCDC says the virus has claimed 128 lives throughout the north to date.
