Five more COVID-19 cases counted in Northern Health, more people being monitored across B.C.

One more death reported by the provincial health office

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C. Provincial Health Officer. (via Flickr/Province of B.C.)

The number of people being actively monitored for COVID-19 cases in B.C. is still going up.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's update today (Oct. 16) reported 155 new positive tests in the last 24 hours, including five in Northern Health for a new regional total of 350 since March.

B.C.'s grand total now sits at 11,183 since the virus reached the coast in January.

There are now 3,713 people being actively monitored after coming into contact with someone who's been infected by the disease.

Of the 1,513 active cases, 72 patients are in hospital with 26 in critical care, and 9,387 have fully recovered.

One more virus-linked death was recorded since Thursday (Oct. 15), increasing the toll to 251 in the province.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest two-week case map, the northern interior, which includes Prince George, reported 15 COVID-19 cases between Oct. 2 and 15.

Since the start of the pandemic, the region has counted a total of 120 positive tests.

Northern Health, as a whole, has tallied 27 cases for the virus in the last two-week period.

The BC Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 Health Service Delivery Area map from Oct. 2 to 15. (via BCCDC)

The election is nearly a week away and with COVID-19 safety protocols in place at voting stations, Dr. Henry is reminding residents to also play their part in reducing any potential spread.

"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," she explains.

"Let’s all do our part to protect our communities this fall and winter, no matter what we are doing. Simple steps make a big difference in keeping all of us safe."

Northern Health's first 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.

Last month, Prince George's local health area recorded 20 COVID-19 cases for a total of 56 since March.

Six regional schools have been potentially exposed to COVID-19: