Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Réka Gustafson, B.C.'s deputy provincial health officer, gave a joint statement on COVID-19 in B.C. Aug. 20. 

They announced 80 new cases from 4,207 tests, with 780 active and 3,845 recoveries. Another 2,574 people are under active public health monitoring because they were exposed to know cases. Out of 143 tests, one new case was found in the Northern Health region for 15 active with 106 recoveries. 

Currently, 11 people are hospitalized, with four of these in intensive care. There were two more deaths, in the Fraser Health region. This brings the total to 200. 

“Science has shown us that regardless of where we may be in our province and what we may be doing, crowded indoor gatherings that encourage close proximity, especially those surrounded by people we do not know and involve alcohol, are a clear source of transmission.” 

They urge British Columbians to keep their groups small and of people they know, continuing to stay home when sick. 

“The data show us that small, indoor gatherings differ from controlled settings, such as an office or classroom, where you know who is in the space and can more easily take precautions to protect yourself and those around you. 

“While we still have much to learn about COVID-19, what we do know is that by continually monitoring for clusters, quickly managing new cases and containing the spread, we can protect our most vulnerable and keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe. 

“The COVID-19 journey has not been easy, but we can be assured that by continuing to work together, we will get through this.”