On Oct. 19, B.C. announced 499 new cases of COVID-19 from over the weekend.  

There are 1,639 active cases in the province and 9,753 recoveries. Right now, 67 people are in the hospital, with 19 of these in intensive care. Two more deaths were reported, for a total of 253. 

There were five cases found in the Northern Health region over the weekend, with 14 active and 338 recoveries. One person in the region is hospitalized and in intensive care. 

Dr. Bonnie Henry reminds British Columbians to remain vigilant to slow the spread of COVID-19.  

“We want to keep as many activities as possible open for all of us and keep our communities safe. This is the balance we are working hard to achieve, and following our safety basics allows us to do just that. 

“We want to avoid a rapid increase in new cases that overwhelms the health-care system, making it more difficult to care for those who are unwell – whether from COVID-19 or another illness. 

“The best way to do that is to take precautions and use our layers of protection, no matter where we may be. 

“Finding that balance also means quickly finding new cases and clusters of COVID-19. Our contact tracing teams are working around the clock to track every new case that emerges. 

“If you are contacted by public health, sharing information about where you have been and who you have seen will ensure one new case does not turn into 100. 

“What you do makes a difference to your health, those of your loved ones, colleagues, friends and those you don't know. Let’s slow the spread and break the chain of transmission.” 

Watch the full update here: