16 more COVID-related deaths, 656 new cases in B.C.

The latest COVID-19 numbers show 656 new cases in B.C., with 83 of those in Interior Health.

The Interior has 535 active cases, 18 people in hospital, with four in critical care, and no new deaths in the region.

Provincially there are 16 more COVID-related deaths for a total of 457.

Elsewhere around B.C, there are 140 new cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 408 in Fraser Health, 10 in the Island Health region, 15 in Northern Health and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

There are 8,796 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 336 people in hospital, and 76 in intensive care.

Currently, 10,123 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 23,774 people who tested positive have recovered.

There is a new health-care facility outbreak at The Harrison at Elim Village. The outbreaks at Holy Family Hospital and Jackman Manor are over. There have been no new community outbreaks.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix acknowledged World AIDS Day and Giving Tuesday in their statement Tuesday, saying it’s a day for kindness, compassion and giving back, despite the obstacles of COVID-19.

“It is a time for all of us to pause, to think about the many people throughout our province, our nation and the world who have been impacted by COVID-19 and other global epidemics. It is also a time to think about what we can do to make a difference.

“Let’s be resilient in face of this surge. United and together, let’s make an impact today through our own personal actions.”

That includes following the provincial health orders in place.

“Remember that events, which refer to anything that gathers people together – whether on a one-time, regular or irregular basis – are not allowed for now. This includes religious, cultural or community events. Do not gather at home with anyone other than your household or core bubble.”