On Nov. 17, 21 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the Northern Health Zone out of 130 tests. In the province, 717 were added from 6,819 tests for 6,589 active cases. 

There are 64 active cases in the north, with 11 people in the hospital, and 11 listed in intensive care. There’s been a total of five deaths in the region and 470 recoveries.  

Eleven new deaths were reported in the province, for a total of 310 since the start of the pandemic. Right now, 198 in the province are hospitalized, with 63 of these in intensive care. 

A new school exposure was added for the Peace River South District at the Chetwynd Secondary School. The last listed exposure date is Nov. 13. If your child’s school has been notified of an exposure, no action is required unless you are contacted by Public Health or are otherwise directed by school officials. 

B.C. Northern Health released a statement on Nov. 17 urging residents to take COVID-19 precautions: 

Northern Health is urging caution as we see COVID-19 activity surging across the province. NH is concerned with the upward trend and frequency of new cases and clusters in the region. 

Recent orders in the Fraser Valley issued by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to address cases in the Lower Mainland are not currently directed at Northern Health; however, we need your support to avoid more stringent measures. We are encouraging against non-essential travel and are asking people to ensure they are following all of the current orders, guidance, and advice. 

COVID-19 cases are not unexpected, but our behaviours can play a role in preventing transmission and spread by following these guidelines: 

  • Maintaining our social connections are important for our well-being. However, please keep your bubble small and limited to your household and a handful (up to six) close friends or family (your “safe six”). 
  • When planning your holiday gathering, please avoid travel and choose to celebrate with individuals in your bubble. 
  • Physical distancing measures are especially challenging for young people. It is important they also keep their bubble small and, as much as possible, limit their interactions to a close group of friends from within their school cohort. 
  • Essential workers, such as health-care workers and teachers, play a critical role in our communities and therefore it is imperative they also keep their bubble small. 
  • Remember: The provincial health officer’s orders to household gatherings applies province-wide. This means no more than six people from outside your household bubble should gather in your home. 

If you are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms, we continue to ask that you self-isolate, and contact your primary care provider or the NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line at 1-844-645-7811. Visit the BCCDC website for more info about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself, your family and your community.