As a new month approaches, COVID-19 cases continue to soar in B.C.
In a written statement this afternoon (Oct. 30), Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed another 272 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, rising the provincial total to 14,381.
Northern Health owns six of those new cases, which brings the authority to 412 since the pandemic landed in the region in March.
The north surpassed the 400 threshold yesterday (Oct. 29) when another seven were discovered.
A total of 78 people are currently hospitalized, 25 of whom are in ICU, while there are 2,390 active cases and 6,003 people are under active public health monitoring due to exposure to the virus. A total of 11,670 have fully recovered.
Another death was recorded, which brings the total to 263.
Northern Health has 6 of the newly discovered for an authority total of 412 #cityofpg #pg #covid19 #bcpoli #bced #COVIDbc @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) October 30, 2020
Henry said yesterday (Oct. 29) health officials do not have plans to impose a lockdown as other jurisdictions have done.
"We are in the danger zone and we need to take the action to make it OK,"
The increase in cases is related to Thanksgiving, she said, adding today it is important that people keep gatherings small at Halloween.
“As we all enjoy Halloween tomorrow, make it about the treats and not the tricks. Respect homes that are choosing not to participate this year and give everyone the space to stay safe, both indoors and outdoors.
“There are many ways to make fun memories this fall. This weekend is a great opportunity to be outside, enjoying the fall foliage and Halloween decorations. Guidelines on how to celebrate safely are available on the BCCDC website."
Canfor also confirmed earlier today (Oct. 30) an employee of a contractor working at the Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George tested positive for the virus.
The individual is now recovering at home.
Canfor spokesperson Michelle Ward says contact tracing was immediately conducted, which included Canfor Pulp and contractor employees
As a result, eight people are now quarantined for 14 days.
"Canfor’s top priority is ensuring the health and safety of employees," Ward added in the release.
"Since the pandemic began, we have implemented COVID-19 protocols to help protect our employees. Any contractors working on-site are required to have COVID-19 protocols in place that meet our high standards."
There are now 10 schools listed in the north with possible COVID-19 exposure, with Immaculate Conception School in Prince George being added yesterday, as well as Prince Rupert's Roosevelt Park.
The full list from Northern Health is as follows:
- Roosevelt Park Elementary School - Oct. 21 and 22, 2020
- Immaculate Conception School - Oct. 21 - 23, 2020
- Fort Nelson Secondary School (SD81) - Oct. 15-16, 2020
- Notre Dame School (Private) - Oct. 13-14, 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
Should a student or teacher receive a positive COVID-19 test, Northern Heath's school notification process is as follows:
- 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
- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters, and The Canadian Press
