DR. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, on Tuesday announced 656 new COVID-19 cases, including three epi-linked cases, for a total of 33,894 cases in British Columbia.

There were 16 new COVID-19-related deaths, and the total number of deaths in the province now stands at 457.

There are 8,796 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 336 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 76 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

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 have been 140 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 408 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 10 in the Island Health region, 83 in the Interior Health region, 15 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

There has been 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.

Henry and Dix added: “As we acknowledge World AIDS Day and celebrate this Day of Giving, today is 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.

“Without exception, follow the provincial health officer’s 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.

“Let’s make today a day to slow community transmission and continue to protect everyone in our province.”