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B.C. records third straight day with more than 200 COVID-19 cases, Northern Health adds six

No new deaths from the virus
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
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B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. (via THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The numbers aren't slowing down. 

In a written statement this afternoon (Oct. 23) Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 223 new COVID-19 cases in the past day which brings the province's total to 12,554. Of those cases, Northern Health has six and now brings the authority total to 371. 

B.C. shattered its record for most cases in a single-day count with 274 yesterday (Oct. 22). The day before saw 203. 

Across the province, there are 2,009 active cases while 75 patients are in hospital and 24 in critical care. Another 4,637 currently being monitored by public health due to exposure and 10,247 have fully recovered.

Henry reported no new deaths, which keeps the toll at 256 since COVID-19 reached B.C. in January. 

There have been 4,319 recorded in Vancouver Coastal Health, 6,864 in Fraser Health, 250 in Island Health and 662 in the Interior Health Authority. 

On Wednesday (Oct. 21), she said most of the new cases and recent community clusters are a result of weddings, funerals and celebrations of life. 

Henry took a noticeably more stern stance yesterday, warning that she and health officials will not be afraid to put restrictions or orders on inside events, wedding venues and other similar places. 

She also explained that there will be more enforcement in places where there can be large gatherings. 

Northern Health's first and only public COVID-19 exposure was potentially contracted by a passenger(s) that used Prince George Taxi between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Oct. 2 to 3. The alert remains in effect.

The Mr. Mikes location in Prince George also announced yesterday that one of its team members had tested positive for the virus. 

The establishment says the dates the affected employee last worked are as follows:

  • Thursday, Oct. 15 = Noon to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 16 = Lunch service
  • Saturday, Oct. 17 = Lunch service
  • Sunday, Oct. 18 = Dinner service

The company says it has been in contact with Northern Health and are following all protocols and precautions for its team and guests. 

 "At this time all persons potentially affected have been contacted and are taking the necessary steps to self-isolate."

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and, based on our implemented health and safety practices, Northern Health has no concerns with us continuing operate safely."

Seven northern B.C. schools have also been potentially exposed to COVID-19:

  • Notre Dame Private School - Dawson Creek - Oct. 13-20, 2020
  • Prince George Secondary School (SD57) - Oct. 2, 2020
  • Dawson Creek Secondary School - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Sept. 23-25, 2020
  • David Hoy Elementary School (SD91) - Sept. 17-18, 2020
  • Quesnel Junior Secondary School (SD28) - Sept. 10-11, 15-18, 2020
  • Nak’albun Elementary School (Independent) - Sept. 16-18, 2020
  • Ecole Frank Ross Elementary School (SD59) - Sept. 10-11, 2020