The triple-digit updates are becoming very consistent now for B.C.'s COVID-19 picture.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 167 new cases today (Oct. 20), only two of which were detected in Northern Health for a regional total of 357 since March.
This follows five new cases found in the north from the weekend, to which there are now 16 classified as active and the number of recoveries is unchanged at 338.
B.C.'s grand total is inching closer to 12,000, sitting at 11,854 since the virus landed in January.
Sadly, one more person died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, but it wasn't in Northern Health, bringing the toll to 254.
Among the province-wide 1,688 active cases, 69 patients are in hospital with 18 in critical care, including one in northern B.C., and the rest in self-isolation.
Close to 10,000 people have recovered from the disease, total of 9,871, or 83 per cent, and 4,156 are being actively monitored after coming into contact with someone previously infected.
"Let’s continue to support our neighbours, local businesses and communities, who are doing their part," says Dr. Henry in a written statement today.
"Take the time to reach out to friends and neighbours – in a safe way – to show them you care and remind them that while you may be keeping a safe distance right now, they are not alone."
Under 10 per cent of Northern Health's population has been tested for the virus as 135 were taken since Monday (Oct. 19).
The authority'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.
Six northern B.C. schools have been potentially exposed to COVID-19:
- 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
Dr. Henry's next update is slated for tomorrow (Oct. 21) on or after 3 p.m.
