“We are in the most challenging of times”, Henry urges residents to apply individual efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19

VICTORIA, B.C. – We are in challenging times as the province rides out the second wave of COVID-19, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“We are in the most challenging of times. We have come through a wave, and we are now in the midst of our second and it has become even more challenging and the virus is not stopping.”

During a COVID update on Monday, Henry urged British Columbians to apply their individual efforts, such as physical distancing and proper sanitation, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

According to Henry, 1,959 new cases were confirmed across B.C., bringing the total to 22,944.

Active cases across the province stand at 6,279 and 16,087 have since recovered.

Hospitalizations in B.C. are at 181, with 57 of those in ICU.

The province’s death count is now up to 299.

10,928 people are currently under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.

When it comes to making masks mandatory across B.C., Henry says the order is not necessary as most people are already wearing masks when possible.

“The answer is, in many locations, we already do and we know it is an important of the individual efforts like cleaning our hands. Wearing masks is now more than ever an important measure.”