B.C.'s COVID-19 numbers dropped compared to yesterday (Nov. 24), but still remain high.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 738 new cases in the past day for a total of 29,086 since the pandemic hit in January.
Northern Health has tallied 35 of the newly announced cases, which brings the region's recorded number to 713 since March. This is a new daily record for the health authority.
There are 7,616 people listed as active for COVID-19 throughout the province, 294 of whom are in hospital with 61 in critical care.
Henry added a total of 10,270 people are under active public health monitoring due to exposure to someone with COVID-19 while 19,814 have recovered.
Another 13 have died from the virus, which brings the total to 371.
Of those, Northern Health has 35 for a new authority total of 713 #bcpoli #bced #cityofpg #covid19bc #covid19 #BCcovid #covid
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) November 25, 2020
Mike Farnworth, B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, revealed the fines last night for those that are not wearing a mask in indoor public and retail spaces or refusing to comply with the orders.
As a result, those who do not wear a mask in these settings can be fined $230.
Anyone that refuses to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer, including being asked to leave the space, or responds with abusive and belligerent behaviour can also be fined.
"We've entered a second wave of COVID-19 in British Columbia and additional steps need to be taken to protect our health," he said in a statement.
"Now more than ever, we all need to follow the guidelines of the PHO. Last week, the PHO provided guidance that masks should be worn in all indoor public places.
"This new order under the EPA will ensure we have the tools necessary to enforce the mask mandate as recommended by the PHO."
During the past two days, there has been a flurry of COVID-19 activity in the region, most recently involving a local restaurant and a popular holiday event.
This morning (Nov. 25), Tim Hortons confirmed its College Heights location in Prince George has closed until Dec. 1 after a team member tested positive for the virus.
"The team member and those who worked with them are self-isolating for 14 days and will be supported through Tim Hortons corporate and restaurant owner COVID-19 compensation fund to provide for any lost wages," the company said.
"We wish them well and look forward to seeing all team members once their self-isolation is complete."
The company says in following public health guidelines, the restaurant location has been closed for cleaning and sanitization.
The drive-thru is expected to re-open at 5 a.m. on Dec. 1 and full store operations on Dec. 3.
A popular Prince George holiday attraction has also been put on pause as a result of the latest orders.
The Northern Lights Estate Winery announced its 'Light up The Orchard' display has been postponed indefinitely in consultation with Northern Health.
"We know this is disappointing for many but during this time it is important for everyone to do their part to try and reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect each other," a social media post read.
As of publication, the following schools in the Northern Health authority have had COVID-19 exposure events to date:
- Peden Hill Elementary School (SD57) - Nov. 12 to 17, 2020
- Van Bien Elementary - Nov. 9-10, 2020
- Ron Brent Elementary - Oct. 30, 2020
- Immaculate Conception School (Diocese of Prince George) - Oct. 21-23, 2020
- Prince George Secondary - Oct. 2, 2020
- William Konkin Elementary School, Burns Lake - Nov. 16, 2020
- Bert Bowes Middle (SD60) - Nov. 16, 2020
- North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Nov. 10, 12, 13, 16, 2020
- Chetwynd Secondary (SD59) - Nov. 13, 2020
- Van Bien Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 9-10, 2020
- Ron Brent Elementary (SD57) - Oct. 30, 2020
- Hudson's Hope Elementary-Junior Secondary (SD60) - Oct. 26-Nov. 4, 2020
- Roosevelt Park Elementary (SD52) - Oct. 21-22, 2020
- Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Oct. 15-16, 2020
- Notre Dame School (Private) - Oct. 13-14, 2020
- Dawson Creek Secondary - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Sept. 23-25, 2020
- David Hoy Elementary (SD91) - Sept. 17-18, 2020
- Quesnel Junior Secondary (SD28) - Sept. 10-11, 15-18, 2020
- Nak’albun Elementary (Independent) - Sept. 16-18, 2020
- Ecole Frank Ross Elementary (SD59) - Sept. 10-11, 2020
The following flights have been flagged by the BCCDC for COVID-19 exposure involving northern B.C.:
- Nov. 18 = Air Canada flight 8239 from Terrace to Vancouver - rows six to 12 affected
- Nov. 18 = WestJet flight WS3106 from Terrance to Vancouver - rows one to six affected
- Nov. 16 = Air Canada/Jazz Flight 8280 from Vancouver to Prince Rupert - rows 9-12 affected
- Nov. 12 = Air Canada/Jazz flight 8183 from Vancouver to Fort St. John - rows five to 11 affected
- Nov. 12 = North Cariboo (Summit Air) flight 2011 from Kelowna to Fort St. John - rows not reported
- Nov. 11 = North Cariboo Air flight 1541 from Terrace to Vancouver - rows three to nine affected
- Nov. 10 = Air Ccanada flight 8201 from Vancouver (YVR) to Prince George (YXS)
- Nov. 2 = Flair Airlines flight 8187 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 26-32
- Oct. 31 = Flair Airlines flight 8186 from Edmonton to Prince George - rows not reported
- Oct. 18 = Air Canada flight 8209 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows eight to 14
- Oct. 13 = Flair Air flight 8187 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 10 to 16
- Aug. 24 = Flair Air flight 8711 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows 26 to 32
- Aug. 24 = Flair Air flight 8711 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 26 to 32
- Aug. 21 = Air Canada flight 8212 from Prince George to Vancouver - rows six to 12
- March 15 = Central Mountain Air flight 9M725 from Kelowna to Prince George - rows not reported
- March 12 = Central Mountain Air flight 9M728 from Prince George to Kelowna - rows not reported
- March 5 = Air Canada flight 8209 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows nine to 15
