Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, issued a joint statement on COVID-19 in B.C. 

Over the weekend, there were 294 new cases in the province: August 28 to 29 had 86, August 29 to 30 had 107, and Aug 30-31 had 101. There are 1,107 active cases in the province, 2,723 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,466 recoveries. 

There are five new cases in the Northern Health region and 31 active. A community alert has been issued for the Prespatou region. Residents of the area who’ve attended events, services or gatherings in August, no matter how large or small, are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact health teams to get tested should any symptoms develop. 

Currently, 28 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, with 10 of these in intensive care. There were four new deaths, for a total of 208. 

“The increase in the number of new cases is a concern for all of us. We must do our part and support public health teams to quickly manage new cases so we can contain the spread of the virus and ensure community spread remains low.” 

Adrien Dix and Dr. Henry are urging British Columbians to slow down their social interactions and prepare for fall. 

“As we go back to our offices, workplaces and schools, we need to get back to the basics with our layers of protection and personal COVID-19 safety measures. This will allow us to protect our most vulnerable during the colder months.” 

They say it’s hard to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, influenza and COVID-19, so everyone needs to stay home if they are sick.  

“The bar to stay home needs to be lower than we have ever had it before. Our superheroes are not the people who put aside illness and go to work, but the people who protect colleagues by staying away until they are healthy once again. 

“We ask employers, caregivers and parents to think ahead and prepare for the days when an employee or child is feeling unwell. Employers also need to ensure they are giving employees the flexibility to stay home without recrimination or financial harm.” 

Watch the full update here: