COVID-19 cases in B.C. have dropped slightly after hitting a record number just a day earlier.
The province reported 132 new cases Friday (September 11) — down from the 139 recorded the previous day.
The latest figures bring B.C.’s total to 6,962 cases, while 1,461 of those cases remain active.
Another 3,198 people remain under active public health monitoring following exposure to known cases.
No new deaths tied to COVID-19 were reported.
To date, 213 people have succumbed to the novel coronavirus in B.C.
But an outbreak has unfolded at Evergreen Hamlets long-term care facility in Surrey, bringing the tally to 14 long-term care or assisted-living facilities with active outbreaks and three acute-care facilities.
While there are no new community outbreaks, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie said in a joint statement that community exposure events persist.
"We know COVID-19 has not been without challenge and loss. But we are working each day to find the balance of keeping new cases low and slow to protect those who are most vulnerable, while keeping our communities going,” the pair said.
"There are thousands upon thousands of people across British Columbia who are doing their part to protect our province. We thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do.”
The past week’s large surge in cases come as British Columbians return from the Labour Day long weekend.
The province announced earlier this week it was shutting down bars, clubs and banquet halls to mitigate against further spread of COVID-19 following numerous exposure events.
By region, there have been 2,419 cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 3,600 in the Fraser Health region, 190 in the Island Health region, 465 in the Interior Health region, 204 in the Northern Health region and 84 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.
