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. Sept. 3. 

They announced 89 new cases, with 1,175 active, 2,801 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,644 recoveries. 

There were three new cases found in the Northern Health region, with 44 active and 123 recoveries. In the North, five people are hospitalized with three of these in intensive care. In the past two weeks, Aug. 21 to Sept. 3, 32 new cases were reported. Since Jan. 1, that number is 74.  

Provincially, 34 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, with 11 of these in intensive care. There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 210 deaths. 

“With COVID-19 in our province, we have continued to adapt our approach as we learn more about the virus and what we need to do to protect ourselves and those around us. 

“Today, we shared the latest modelling data. The data shows us that although we have been able to find our balance – keeping essential services and businesses going, while protecting our most vulnerable, we continue to have new cases and new clusters across the province.” 

They say this fall, British Columbians will need to pause high risk activities that involve spending time with people they don’t know without proper precautions.  

“Now is also the time to think about the number of contacts you have. There is no ‘safe’ number, but fewer people is better. If you know you have more interactions ahead – for example, if you are returning to work – then it is a good idea to reduce your time with other contacts. 

“This upcoming long weekend, choose to go small, to spend time with your household bubble instead of a group of strangers, and choose to use the layers of protection, wherever you may go. 

“We have the tools and we can make the right choices. To be successful in this next phase, we need to step back to safely move forward, so let’s all make that choices that will keep our communities, our Elders, our loved ones and ourselves safe.” 

Read the full statement HERE.