Two new positive COVID-19 cases detected in Northern Health as B.C. hits 11K since pandemic began

No new deaths, more than 9,200 recoveries since January

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer. (via Flickr/Province of B.C.)

B.C. has surpassed another milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today (Oct. 15), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 142 new positive tests for a grand total of 11,034 since the virus began in January, including two new ones in northern B.C.

The Northern Health Authority's total is now at 345 since March, which has included three deaths.

Fortunately, nobody succumbed to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, keeping the death toll at 250.

Of B.C.'s cases, 1,494 are active, including 74 people in hospital with 24 in critical care.

More than 9,200 people have recovered from COVID-19, but 3,683 remain as actively-monitored having come into contact with someone who was previously infected with the virus, marking a new provincial-high during the pandemic.

Dr. Henry adds 9,016 tests were conducted in the past day, making for a positive-test percentage of 1.57 per cent.

Fittingly, with today being International Handwashing Day, Dr. Henry once again reminded British Columbians the importance of the practice.

"Washing our hands regularly is one of easiest and best ways for us to protect ourselves from COVID-19, influenza and common colds," she explained.

"When you come home, arrive at work or school, pause to wash your hands before doing anything else. And remember, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly."

It was announced Tuesday (Oct. 13) that Site C experienced a third COVID-19 case since the pandemic began.

One other person was asked to self-isolate this past weekend as a result, but BC Hydro says the risk of transmission remains low.

Northern Health's first public COVID-19 exposure was potentially contracted by a passenger(s) that used Prince George Taxi between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Oct. 2 to 3.

Last month, Prince George's local health area recorded 20 COVID-19 cases for a total of 56 since March.

Six regional schools have been potentially exposed to COVID-19: