On Dec. 7, B.C reported 2,020 new cases of COVID-19 from Friday to Sunday, and there are now 9,380 active cases in the province. 

Right now, there are 359 people in the hospital with COVID-19, with 77 of these in intensive care. Recoveries have now reached 27,287. 

In the Northern Health region, 106 new cases were reported over the weekend, and 356 are active. In the north, 42 people are hospitalized with 13 admitted to ICU. They’ve had a total of eight deaths and 720 recoveries since the start of the pandemic. 

In the Province, 35 new COVID-related deaths were added over the weekend, for a total of 527. 

In the Dec. 7 update, the provincial health officer’s orders restricting all gatherings and events were extended through to Jan. 8, 2021, at midnight. This includes gatherings in people’s homes and in public venues. 

One change was made to the orders, allowing drive-through and drive-in to drop off people and leave events, as well as drive-in and stay in your car events to a maximum of 50 cars. 

The full orders are available online.   

Suspending non-essential travel is also strongly recommended. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, believe the steps announced today are necessary to get the province through the end of the year and protect those most vulnerable.  

“We understand that, for many of us, this will mean celebrating the important December holidays in a different, smaller way than what we are used to. We can still be festive, but let’s ensure it is only with our immediate household. 

“As hard as this may be, let’s remember that the sacrifices we make now will protect our loved ones and countless others throughout our province. Your efforts and sacrifices are making a difference. 

“Staying small and staying local over the holidays is what we all need to do. It will help to ease the pressure going into the year ahead and will also help to protect our province until vaccines are widely available.” 

Read the full update HERE.