On Nov. 12, B.C. announced 1,130 new cases of COVID-19 from Nov. 10 to 12. 

There are 5,793 active cases in the province. Currently, 155 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, with 44 of these in intensive care. The total recoveries are 14,089. Four more people died, for a total of 288 deaths since the start of the pandemic. 

Of the new cases, 23 were found in the Northern Health region. There are 60 active cases in the area, with one person in the hospital and four in intensive care. Since the start of the pandemic, 435 people have recovered, and three people have died. 

In the last week, 26 COVID-19 cases have been identified in northeast B.C., with 201 found since the first reported case. This is an increase from the previous week’s 10 cases. The number in the last two weeks, Oct. 30 to Nov. 12, is 36. 

(Courtesy B.C. Centre for Disease Control)

In her COVID-19 update on Nov. 12, Dr. Bonnie Henry expressed concern over the trends seen in the latest modelling data. 

“As we have seen in many parts of Canada and the world, here in B.C. the rate of transmission has risen rapidly in the past few weeks. The rate of increase puts all of us at risk. Without a slowdown, it will make it difficult to manage and contain the virus in our province. 

“While the latest orders may focus on the highest spread in the Lower Mainland, we are seeing notable increases everywhere – in the Interior, on Vancouver Island and in the North. 

She emphasizes the need for British Columbians to act now, pausing their social interactions and helping others to do the same. She says this will help slow the spread of COVID-19.  

The doctor says that it is easier for the virus to transmit in colder weather because it pushes people to spend more time indoors, where the same activities are not safe. 

“We need to maintain capacity in our health-care system to care for those with COVID-19 and other illnesses, we need to keep our schools open and we need to ensure we can continue the many other essential activities in our communities. That is why we must all act now. 

“We are asking a lot of everyone and we recognize that what we are asking of you may be hard, so let’s support each other to make this happen. Let’s remember that we know what we need to do, because we have done it before – and we have done it well. 

“The people of B.C. have been the examples of ‘what to do right,’ of how to support friends and neighbours in our communities and take care of those in need. Let’s continue to be leaders to push our curve back down and protect our loved ones, our Elders and our communities.” 

Watch the full update here: