BC records 287 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths

Health officials are reporting 287 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the past 24-hours.

There are now 2,316 active cases across the province, with a total of 5,358 people under active public health monitoring.

Currently, 87 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, a surge of 17 from this time last week, with 18 patients in intensive or critical care.

Two additional COVID-19 related deaths are being reported by officials, the province's death toll now sits at 261.

One new community outbreak has been confirmed at the Okanagan Men's Centre near Kelowna, however, no further details have been released.

“Our COVID-19 safety efforts start at home, and recently we have seen a number of new cases and clusters directly connected to social events in private homes. That is why there is now a provincial health officer order in place restricting the number of people who can safely be in our homes," said Dr. Bonnie Henry in a release.

“The new order is about ensuring what happens in our homes is in step with what we are doing elsewhere. Just as we need to keep our groups to no more than six when we go to restaurants, we must also keep our groups small at home."

Dr. Henry has stopped short of calling off Halloween and trick-or-treating, but has admitted the big night will look different this year.

Residents are being asked to celebrate safely by sticking to small groups outside, skipping parties, wearing masks and keeping to your small “safe-six” bubble.

For more information on Halloween guidelines, click here.