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.
The latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Health Service Delivery Area of Case Residence as of Feb. 5, 2021. By BCCDCBoth 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.
The latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence as of Feb. 5, 2021. By BCCDCEarlier today, Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced B.C.'s public health orders that were set to formally expire have been extended until further notice.
Officials cited main concerns about the COVID-19 variants entering B.C.
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).
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
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," Henry said.
"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."
An advisory remains on non-essential travel for all British Columbians, who are encouraged to avoid it if it's not necessary.
In terms of households, single people may include a small number of people who they do not live with as being part of their households, and therefore being people who they are able to invite into their homes.
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
As of this publication, Northern Health has a recorded total of 3,610 cases with 397 of those active while 20 people are hospitalized with 16 of those in critical care or ICU.
A total of 85 lives have been lost.
- with a file from Glen Kordstrom, Business In Vancouver
