BC records 516 new cases of COVID-19, 10 additional deaths

Health officials announced 516 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, one day after implementing several province-wide public health orders.

The vast majority of the new cases remain clustered in the Lower mainland, with 148 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 294 in the Fraser Health region, 31 in the Interior Health region, 17 in Island Health and 25 in the Northern Health region.

That brings BC's active case count to an all-time high of 7,122.

Currently, there are more people than ever before in hospital with the virus.

There are now 227 patients hospitalized with the virus, up 46 since Monday, 57 of whom are in ICU or critical care.

Officials are reporting 10 additional death related to the virus, bringing BC's death toll to 331.

“Yesterday, new and expanded provincial health officer's orders came into effect around the province. The orders will help us slow the spread of COVID-19; to relieve the pressure on our health-care system and reduce the risks within our communities," said Dr. Bonnie Henry in a release.

“The provincewide orders are about all of us seeing fewer people, having safer workplaces and pausing higher risk activities.

“The orders on social gatherings and events are to keep our families and friends safe. The best way to do that is to decrease our social interactions and spend as little time as possible with those outside of our immediate household."