Northern Health is asking residents to adhere to restrictions and guidelines put in place by B.C. health officials as cases and hospitalizations rise in the region.
While health officials struggle to contain outbreaks in numerous parts of the province, mainly in Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, Dr. Bonnie Henry was forced to turn to last-resort measures in issuing new restrictions.
On Nov. 19, she announced masks would be mandatory in all indoor and retail public spaces, no social gatherings of any size at homes with anyone other than immediate household or core bubbles, no in-person community-based gatherings, bans on religious in-person gatherings and worship services, bans on athletic travel/play among others.
The restrictions are scheduled to end on Dec. 7 but could be extended should COVID-19 cases in B.C. continue to soar.
Yesterday (Nov. 26), the province recorded its highest number of cases in a single-day period with 887. There were also another 13 deaths for the second straight day.
As of publication (Nov. 27), Northern Health has a total of 737 cases since the pandemic hit in March, which saw another 24 yesterday.
There are currently 198 active cases throughout the region including 25 in hospital and 10 of those in ICU. There have also been six deaths to date.
The increase in the frequency of cases and the rate of transmission has caused Northern Health to once again issue a statement today (Nov. 27) asking residents to obey the restrictions and guidelines that Dr. Henry has put into effect throughout B.C.
1/3 Northern Health, on behalf of our staff and physicians, is reminding residents to adhere to the new provincial health orders and guidelines as we experience growing COVID-19 activity.
— Northern Health (@Northern_Health) November 27, 2020
"Northern Health, on behalf of our staff and physicians, is reminding residents to adhere to the new provincial health orders and guidelines as we experience growing COVID-19 activity," the announcement reads.
"With more frequent cases and clusters, as well as increasing hospitalizations, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued strong orders and guidelines in an effort to address the surge in cases.
"The North is not exempt from the increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalization rates, and we want to reinforce Dr. Henry's call to act appropriately."
The authority says they need community support, responsibility and accountability in limiting the spread of the virus including:
- No social gatherings of any size
- Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces
- No non-essential travel
- Staying home if you are sick
If anyone experiences possible COVID-19 symptoms, Northern Health asks that people self-isolate and contact your primary care provider.
You can also contact the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line at 1-844-645-7811.
3/3 The North is not exempt from the increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalization rates, and we want to reinforce Dr. Henry's call to act appropriately.
— Northern Health (@Northern_Health) November 27, 2020
Read the info bulletin here:https://t.co/Jha9UAAHxx pic.twitter.com/MoboP8NUyH
Two large retailers in Prince George, Real Canadian Superstore and Canadian Tire, both confirmed to PrinceGeorgeMatters they each had team members test positive for the virus.
On Wednesday (Nov. 25), the College Heights Tim Hortons location also confirmed an employee has tested positive, which promoted the closure of its restaurant until Dec. 1 for extra cleaning.
"The team member and those who worked with them are self-isolating for 14 days and will be supported through Tim Hortons corporate and restaurant owner COVID-19 compensation fund to provide for any lost wages," the company said in a statement.
"We wish them well and look forward to seeing all team members once their self-isolation is complete."
