Prince George area records 86 COVID-19 cases during seven-day period

Prince George saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases during the latest BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) seven-day period report. 

According to the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence for Jan. 31, 2021, to Feb. 6, 2021, the region saw 86 cases.

Peace River South recorded 19, Peace River North added 27, he Nechako area saw eight and Quesnel recorded eight. 

The 86 cases are an increase from Jan. 24, 2021, to Jan. 30, 2021, where there were 69 cases. 

Northern Health's death toll also continues to rise with the authority is now at 93 since the virus hit the region last March. 

About a week ago, on Feb. 4, the death toll was at 85. 

In the last two days, Northern Health has declared two deadly outbreaks over in the region, including Prince George's Jubilee Lodge.

The outbreak at the long-term care facility was in place since Dec. 12, 2020, but the exposure risk period has now passed.

A total of 17 residents lost their lives, while the authority counted 62 infections, 48 in patients and 14 cases involving staff. 

"Jubilee Lodge staff and care providers have diligently focused on enhanced outbreak control measures throughout the facility for more than eight weeks, while continuing to provide excellent care to residents during this challenging time," a statement reads. 

"Northern Health thanks Jubilee Lodge families and residents for their patience, cooperation and support in recent weeks – and extends its deep condolences to the families, friends and caregivers of residents who have passed away in the past several weeks." 

Many long-term facilities in the region have clear and strict policies involving infection and prevention control, and will remain important at Jubilee Lodge to help limit risks to residents, staff and physicians. 

Northern Health says social visits can now resume while following COVID-19 prevention protocols, noting those who wish to visit the facility must make arrangements beforehand and not go to the facility unless arrangements have been made. 

On Wednesday (Feb. 10), the authority announced the outbreak in the Internal Medicine Unit at University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) was also finished.

The outbreak, which was initially declared on Dec. 29, 2020, recorded a total of 33 people who tested positive for the virus, broken down among 21 patients and 12 staff.

Sadly, there were nine patients who lost their lives. 

Northern Health says there have been no new lab-confirmed cases related to the outbreak since Jan. 12. 

"Northern Health Public Health continues to actively monitor and follow up all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and patients at any NH facilities," a statement reads. 

As of this publication, the region has 335 active cases with a total of 3,939 recorded cases to date. 

The BCCDC says 10 people are hospitalized with seven of those currently in ICU/critical care. A total of 3,488 have recovered.