589 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. breaks single day record

The number of new COVID-19 cases in B.C. hit 589 today, breaking yesterday's record single day number of cases.

Yesterday there were 425 cases and the high number triggered some hints that health authorities are looking at cracking down on businesses.

"Keeping businesses open is important to all of us and we can all take confidence in knowing the vast majority of businesses are doing all they can to keep their employees and customers safe throughout the province,” a joint statement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said today, Nov. 6.

"As we have done with many sectors, public health teams are continually reviewing guidance and working with individual business owners to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and continue to operate safely.

READ MORE: Interior Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at RIH Patient Care Tower construction site

"When faced with the gathering storm clouds of increased exposures and transmission in a particular sector, we step up inspections to identify gaps and, at times, increase the safety measures that are required. Only if it is clearly demonstrated that a business or sector is unable to operate safely are businesses ordered to close."

The 589 new case today today brings the provincial total to 17,149. Twenty-four of those were in the Interior Health region, bringing its total to 845.

Another 402 were in the Fraser Health region, 146 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 12 in the Northern Health region and five in the Vancouver Island Health region.

Two new deaths bring the provincial total to 275.

There are 3,741 active cases with 104 people in hospital including 28 in intensive care.

In addition, 7,887 people are being monitored and 13,035 have recovered.

There have been six more outbreaks in health care facilities including one at the Royal Inland Hospital construction site.

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