738 new COVID cases, 70 in Interior Health

B.C is reporting 738 new COVID-19 cases, along with 13 new deaths.

The Fraser Health region lead the new cases with 443, with 169 in Vancouver Coastal, 70 in Interior Health, 21 in Island Health and 35 in Northern Health.

There are now 7,816 active cases, with 294 people in hospital and 61 in intensive or critical care.

Currently, 10,270 people are under active health monitoring, and 19,814 have recovered from the virus.

The 13 deaths raise the total to 371.

There are no new health care or community outbreaks.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, clarified some of the guidelines around B.C.’s new mask policy which requires non-medical masks be worn in many indoor public spaces.

Violators can be fined $230.

Henry said the policy does not apply to children under age 12, although it’s recommended children age 2 to 12 wear one.

It’s recommended children under age two not wear masks, or anyone who can’t remove a mask on their own.

Henry also advised people not to pre-judge others who may not be wearing a mask.

“Not everyone is able to wear a mask and we need to have patience and compassion for people,” said Henry. “We know people can’t wear masks for many reasons that may not be apparent to you, whether it’s a psychological, behavioral or health condition or due to physical, cognitive or mental impairment.”

On Wednesday, the province issued a correction for nine days of case totals in the Fraser Health region, revising Tuesday’s COVID-19 case count to 706 instead of 941.