In their joint statement on COVID-19 in B.C. Sept. 8, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, announced 429 new cases over the long weekend.  

From Sept. 4 to 5 123 new cases were found, Sept. 5 to 6, was 116, Sept. 6 to 7 had 107 and Sept. 7 to 8 had 83 new cases. Currently, 1,386 are active, 3,063 people are being monitored because of exposure, and 4,978 people have recovered. Thirty-two people are hospitalized with 12 in intensive care. 

No new cases were found in the Northern Health region, but there are 31 active cases. Five of these are currently hospitalized with two of those in intensive care. Recoveries are at 155 in the region.  

In the province, two COVID-19 related deaths were reported over the weekend, for a total of 213. 

“As we get back to work and back to school this fall, it is the time for all of us to cut back on our social interactions to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 for ourselves and everyone around us. Keeping our household contacts and our controlled work and school groups safe means having few contacts with people we don’t know. 

“Whether it is a private party in someone’s home or going to a nightclub, the potential to transmit the virus is the same.” 

They report that public health has been responding to many exposure events related to bars and nightclubs, generally involving alcohol. They’ve been a major source of transmission since starting Phase 3 of re-opening, creating significant risk.  

In response, Public Health is closing all nightclubs and stand-alone banquet halls, and liquor sales in all bars, pubs and restaurants must stop at 10 p.m. and unless providing full meal service, must close at 11 p.m.

“Now is the time for all of us to go back to our smaller, safer social interactions, especially if our households are increasing our interactions in other ways. 

“This is the balance that we all need to find if we are going to weather the storm of the respiratory season ahead that will inevitably create added complexities for all of us. Let’s use this time to close the gaps that have emerged, recommit to keeping our wall strong and protect ourselves and those around us.” 

Read the full statement HERE.