Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC government

B.C.'s COVID-19 case count went up by 267 over the weekend, and three more people have died from the disease.

The case count is now at 8,908 while the COVID-19 death toll is now at 233.

In the Interior Health region, the case count is now 531, up from 522. That's nine cases since the weekend, five of which were already accounted for with the Calvary Chapel Church outbreak in Kelowna. One person in Interior Health is hospitalized with COVID-19.

As cases continue to rack up, B.C.'s top doctor, Bonnie Henry, reminded British Columbians yet again it's in their power to reduce the spread of the pandemic and reducing social connections is key to that effort.

"It isn't always easy to say no to seeing friends or family, we know that we are social creatures and having that social connection is important for all of us," provincial health officer Dr. Henry said. "It can be a difficult choice to make. But if you see family or friends putting themselves at risk we need all of us to encourage and support people to do the right thing."

Dr. Henry said most transmission is from social events and there have been numerous examples of "super spreading events" where somebody passes this virus on unwittingly to large numbers of people, and they can take it home in turn to others.

While not everything is known about these events, Dr. Henry said it's clear they happen when people gather in large numbers of people who are in close contact, share food, hug, kiss or even talk loudly.

"Take a moment to think about the risks you're going into, and the risks that you'll bring with you," she said.

Particularly of concern is that will be taken to older men and women.

"I invite you to join me and take a moment to reach out to the seniors and elders in your life, your friends and your loved ones who may be at risk. Let them know they are not alone."

And, she said, in the weeks ahead she recommends that you show them you care by staying connected to them virtually. It's not time, she said, for a big family gathering, whether it's for Thanksgiving or something else.

Dr. Henry said this fall "staying connected" to seniors and elders should be done "virtually."

"Living with COVID-19 is about finding that balance that will keep our communities strong, and everyone, whether at school at work or at home, as safe as we possibly can be," Dr. Henry said. "Let's keep our communities healthy and strong by staying small staying home and staying safe."

Since the start of the pandemic, 3,226 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 4,555 people were in the Fraser Health region, 206 people were in the Vancouver Island Health region and 303 people in the Northern Health and 87 people who normally reside outside of Canada.

There are now 1,302 active cases in the province in all health authorities, and 69 people are in hospital.

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