546 new COVID-19 cases in B.C. as warning not to travel issued

Provincial health officials are warning residents not to travel as another 546 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, including 70 in the Interior Health region.

That brings the provincial total to 66,265 cases. There were 12 more deaths, bringing the provincial toll to 1,184.

“In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in community clusters and exposures in businesses,” states a joint statement issued today, Jan. 28 by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, noting enforcement efforts are being stepped up.

Health officials are also suggesting that employees work from home when possible.

“Any travel beyond your local community, unless it is absolutely essential for work or medical care, is strongly discouraged right now,” the statement reads. “This is necessary because we know that COVID-19 can travel with us, and we can just as easily bring it back on our return. If it is a day trip or a weekend getaway, the risk is the same.”

Travel during the Family Day long weekend in February is especially discouraged.

Of the 546 new cases, 218 were in the Fraser Health region, 174 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 30 in the Vancouver Island Health region and 51 in the Northern Health region.

There are 4,445 active cases in B.C. with 291 people in hospital, 75 of whom are in intensive care.

The province has now administered 127,255 doses of vaccines, 4,185 of which are second doses.

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