Northern Health records 71 new COVID-19 cases as public health orders extended indefinitely

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Northern Health.

In a written update this afternoon (Feb. 5), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said another 471 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past 24 hours for a grand total of 69,716 since January last year. 

Of those, Northern Health found 71 more infections for an updated authority total of 3,681.

Earlier this morning, it wasn't the news British Columbians were hoping for as Henry announced public health order guidelines that were set to expire today will now be extended until further notice, citing main concerns about the COVID-19 variants entering B.C.

NEW - Dr. Bonnie Henry announces B.C.'s COVID-19 restrictions that were going to expire today are now being extended until further notice. No date of expiry given. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDbc #cityofpg @PGMatters

— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) February 5, 2021

There are 28 cases of variants discovered to date, all of which involve the B.1.1.7 (U.K. variant) and the B.1.351 (South African variant). 

The orders include mandatory masks in all indoor public and retail spaces, no organized public gatherings of size and gatherings with people outside your immediate household, along with a ban on indoor and outdoor sports for adults aged 22 and older.

Henry said she would be "continually reviewing" whether data supports ending restrictions early, or extending them into March, and beyond.

"We all want to get to the days where these orders can be lifted," said Henry.

"As we look toward the end of this month, these data will tell us if more action is required, or if we can start to ease the restrictions we have in place through our shared efforts.

"We want to protect the progress we have made since the start the year and not throw away our success.

“We need to stay on the path we have been on so far in 2021 and remember that one or two superspreading events, or even a small increase in our risky contact with others, can quickly counteract all of that work." 

An advisory remains on non-essential travel for all British Columbians, who are encouraged to avoid it if it's not necessary.

There are 4,423 people listed as active for COVID-19 in the province, 253 of whom are in hospital with 70 in critical care or ICU. A total of 62,567 have fully recovered.

Health officials announced another six deaths this afternoon which brings the new death toll to 1,246. 

In the north,  the Prince George and interior regions have recorded the most COVID-19 cases in Northern Health since the virus hit B.C. in January of 2020.

According to the latest BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) data released by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry this morning (Feb. 5) during a modeling update, the northern interior has seen 1,626 cases since Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 30, 2021. 

The Prince George area comes in at 1,104. 

Dr. Henry reveals there have now been 28 cases of COVID-19 variants discovered in British Columbia. Fourteen of those have been the U.K. variant while eight have been the South African variant #covid19 #COVIDbc #bcpoli #bced #cityofpg @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/1ZRr94I0T3

— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) February 5, 2021

Both areas hold the highest case counts to date in northern B.C.

From Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 30, 2021, the northwest region also surpassed a thousand cases with 1,074 while the northeast area recorded 853. 

Peace River North is at 499, Nechako with 246, Peace River South sits at 179 and Fort Nelson at 127. 

Staying in the region, the McLeod Lake Indian Band announced a lockdown this week after declaring a COVID-19 outbreak on IR #1, where three elders have been diagnosed with the virus. 

Chief Harley Chingee says, in a letter, one of the elders is currently in ICU, one is being monitored at the hospital and a third is isolating at home. 

The letter also says Elder Sheri Solonas passed away in the early hours of Tuesday (Feb. 2) due to COVID-19 complications. 

"In order to assist the Health Team, Emergency Management and the Administration, lockdown measures have been put in place to protect our community members," said Chingee.

"This includes the closure of the MLIB offices and TFF, in addition to a mandatory stay-at-home order. Please understand these measures are only in effect to protect us all and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable members in the community."

Chingee also issued a warning to members who are breaking conditions and protocols, saying they're risking the possibility of not being allowed back onto the reserve for the remainder of the lockdown and/or having distributions withheld. 

In education, a COVID-19 exposure event has been listed for a second time in eight days for the same Prince George school.

Heritage Elementary students and staff are being alerted for Jan. 26 as they may have come into contact with someone who recently tested positive for the virus.

It's first warning was for Jan. 20-22, but Northern Health had never reported an exposure event at the School District 57 (SD57) member prior to the new year.

Since students returned to the classroom in September, 19 Prince George-based institutions have been marked for COVID-19 exposure at least once, 16 within SD57.

Yesterday, Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary was alerted for Jan. 28-29, its fourth exposure event since November and its second in under a week.

Northern Health's school-exposure section explains students should still go to school "if you do not receive a phone call or letter from Public Health," but you're also encouraged to monitor symptoms daily.

• Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with
• We identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days
• Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact
  • Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact
• Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community

The up-to-date list of northern B.C. schools marked for a COVID-19 exposure event is as follows: 

• Heritage Elementary (SD57) - Jan. 26, 2021
• Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 25-27, 2021; Jan. 28-29, 2021
• Duncan Cran Elementary (SD60) - Jan. 28-29, 2021
• Decker Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 22-26, 2021
• Notre Dame in Dawson Creek (Private) - Jan. 25, 2021
• Fraser Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 25, 2021
• Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 20-22, 2021; Jan. 26-27, 2021
• Gudangaay Tlaats'gaa Naay Secondary (SD50) - Jan. 22, 2021
• Heritage Elementary (SD57) - Jan. 20-22, 2021
• Nak'albun Elementary (Independent) - Jan. 18, 2021
• Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Jan. 19-21, 2021
• Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 20-21, 2021
• Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Jan. 8, 2021; Jan. 12-13, 2021
• Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Jan. 13-15, 2021
• Houston Secondary (SD54) - Jan. 13-15, 2021
• Fort St. James Secondary (SD91) - Jan. 15, 2021
• Nak'albun Elementary (Independent) - Jan. 11-14, 2021
• Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Jan. 12-13, 2021
• DP Todd Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 4-6, 2021; Jan. 11-12, 2021
• Chalo School (Independent, Fort Nelson First Nation) - Jan. 5-7, 2021; Jan. 6-8, 2021
• North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Jan. 4, 2021; Jan. 11, 2021; 13-14, 2021
• Clearview Elementary-Junior Secondary (SD60) - Jan. 7-8, 2021
• Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 11-12, 2021
• Houston Secondary (SD54) - Jan. 11-13, 2021
• Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Jan. 11, 2021
• Conrad Elementary (SD52) Jan. 11-13, 2021
• Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Jan. 8, 2021
• Lax Kxeen Elementary (SD52) - Jan. 7-8, 12, 2021
• Decker Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 4-6, 2021
• Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 6-7, 2021
• Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Jan. 4-6, 2021
• McNaughton Secondary (SD28) - Jan. 6-8, 2021
• Valemount Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 6, 2021
• Skeena Middle (SD82) - Jan. 4, 2021
• Ecole Central Elementary (SD60) - Jan. 4, 2021
• Mountain Christian (Independent) - Dec. 18, 2020
  • Dec. 18, 2020 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• Cedars Christian - Prince George (Independent) - Dec. 14-16, 2020
  • Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30, 2020
• Bert Ambrose Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 17-18, 2020
  • Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• Sacred Heart Elementary (Diocese of Prince George) - Dec. 10-11, 2020
  • Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
• Skeena Middle (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
  • Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
• Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
  • Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
• Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
  • Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
• Ecole Mountain View Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
  • Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
• Smithers Secondary (SD54) - Dec. 11, 2020
  • Dec. 11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25 
• Margaret Ma Murray Community School (SD60) - Dec. 7-11, 2020; Dec. 14-16, 2020
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
  • Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30
• Alwin Holland Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 14-17, 2020
  • Dec. 14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31
• North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Dec. 14-17, 2020
  • Dec. 14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31
• Bert Bowes Middle (SD60) - Dec. 14-16, 2020; Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 17-18; Nov. 16, 18-20, 30, 2020
  • Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30, 2020
  • Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• Pinewood Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 14-15, 2020; Dec. 14-18, 2020
  • Dec. 14-15 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
  • Dec. 14-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• Southridge Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 10, 2020
  • Dec. 10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
• Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 10-11, 2020; Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
  • Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
• Heather Park Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 1-2, 3, 4, 7-8, 2020
  • Dec. 11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020 
• Westwood Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 9; Dec. 8, 2020
  • Dec. 8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
  • Dec. 9 = Self-monitoring endedDec. 23, 2020 
• St. Mary's Catholic School (Diocese of Prince George) - Dec. 8-11, 2020; Dec. 7-10, 2020; Dec. 3-4, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020
  • Dec. 7-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec 24, 2020
  • Dec. 8-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec.25, 2020
• Mountain View Christian Academy (Independent) - Dec. 8-10, 2020; Dec. 7-8, 2020
  • Dec. 7-8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
  • Dec. 8-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
• Thornhill Primary School (SD82) - Dec. 4, 7-11, 14-17, 2020
  • Dec. 4, 7-11,14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 2020
• Walnut Park Elementary (SD54) - Dec. 9-10, 2020; Dec. 13-15, 2020
  • Dec. 9-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
  • Dec. 13-15 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
• Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 7-11, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
  • Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
• College Heights Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 10-11, 2020; Dec. 17-18, 2020
  • Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
  • Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• DP Todd Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 1 and 2, 2020
• Dawson Creek Secondary - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Dec. 8, 2020; Nov. 16-18, 2020; Sept. 23-25, 2020
  • Dec. 8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
• Smithers Secondary (SD54) - Dec. 7 and 10, 2020
  • Dec. 10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
• Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Dec. 7, 2020; Oct. 15-16, 2020
• Ecole Central Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 2-3, 4, 2020
• Nak’albun Elementary (Independent) - Dec. 3-4, 2020; Nov. 22-25, 2020; Sept. 16-18, 2020
• Suwilaawks Community School - Terrace (SD82) - Dec. 1-2, 3-4, 2020; Nov. 27, 30, 2020
• Kitwanga Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1-3, 2020
• Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 1-3, 2020; Nov. 18, 2020; Oct. 2, 2020
• Margaret Ma Murray Community School (SD60) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Nov. 23-26, 27, 30, 2020
• Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
• Fort St. James Secondary (SD91) - Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 19-20, 20-26, 30, 2020
• Veritas Catholic School (Diocese of Prince George) - Nov. 30, 2020
• Anne Roberts Young Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 30, 2020
• Bert Ambrose Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 30, 2020
• David Hoy Elementary (SD91) - Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 25-26, 2020; Sept. 17-18, 2020
• William Konkin Elementary in Burns Lake (SD91) - Nov. 16, 23-24, 23-27, 2020
• Energetic Learning Campus in Fort St. John (SD60) - Nov. 16-20, 23-27, 30, 2020
• Peden Hill Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 12-17, 17-20, 24-27, Nov. 30, 2020
• Centennial Christian in Terrace (Independent) - Nov. 23-26, 2020; Dec. 14-16, 2020
  • Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
• North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Nov. 10, 12-13, 16, 19-20, 24-26, 2020; Dec. 16-17, 2020
  • Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 2020
• Sacred Heart Elementary (Diocese of Prince George) - Nov. 25-27, 2020
• Charlie Lake Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 23-24, 16-26, 2020, Dec. 14-18, 2020
  • Dec. 14-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
• Ecole College Heights Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 19-20, 20-24, 2020
• Beaverly Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 23-24, 2020
• Foothills Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 23, 2020
• Lakes District Secondary (SD91) - Nov. 23, 2020, Dec. 17, 2020
  • Dec. 17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 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
• Immaculate Conception School (Diocese of Prince George) - Oct. 21-23, 2020
• Roosevelt Park Elementary (SD52) - Oct. 21-22, 2020
• Notre Dame in Dawson Creek (Private) - Oct. 13-14, 2020
• Quesnel Junior Secondary (SD28) - Sept. 10-11, 15-18, 2020
• Ecole Frank Ross Elementary (SD59) - Sept. 10-11, 2020

- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters, and Glen Kordstrom, Business In Vancouver