Two more COVID19 cases have been announced in the Northern Health Authority, bringing the total to four.
The first two cases were announced on Saturday (March 14).
The first two were originally diagnosed in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. Under strict protocols, they drove themselves back home and are now in isolation.
Dr. Bonnie Henry has also announced that a public health emergency has been declared for British Columbia.
Three new deaths have been recorded, which brings the total to seven. Henry also announced 83 new cases which brings B.C.'s total to 186.
Northern Health has also announced there are now visitor restrictions in place at locations throughout the authority.
"To keep our patients, families and staff safe and in keeping with the provincial health officer’s recommendations for social distancing, Northern Health is limiting the number of visitors entering our buildings, effective immediately," a media release says.
The following restrictions are in place until further notice:
- Hospital
- Emergency Departments, Intensive Care/Critical Care areas: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Perinatal Unit: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Neonatal ICU: TWO adult caregivers/support persons
- Inpatient Pediatric and Adult Areas (with routine precautions in place): ONE adult caregivers/support persons
- Inpatient Areas (additional precautions in place): ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Emergency Departments, Intensive Care/Critical Care areas: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Primary and Urgent Care: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Palliative/end of life: We will accommodate patient and family needs and consult with infection prevention and control
- Outpatient Clinics: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Primary and Urgent Care: ONE adult caregiver/support person
- Long-term care homes: ONE adult caregivers/support persons
No visitor who is unwell with the following symptoms may visit any of the above facilities: fever, cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat and/or diarrhea should be attending any Northern Health facility.
"Further, anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 during the previous 14 days, must not visit patients/residents in any Northern Health facility or long-term care facility," the release adds.
"We understand the importance of visits from family and loved ones to our patients and long-term care residents and we appreciate your support in helping to keep everyone safe."
Patient navigators will be put in place at entrances of all facilities to ensure visitors are aware of the restrictions.
PrinceGeorgeMatters continues to update a running list of postponements and cancellations in Prince George as they progress.
