It’s another record day for Covid-19 cases in BC.

The province reported 274 new infections today (Thursday) after reporting 203 yesterday (Wednesday), bringing the provincial total to 12,331.

Yesterday was the first time the province recorded over 200 cases in a single day.

Four of the new cases are in Northern Health, the region is now at 365 cases.

There are 1,920 active cases in the province, 13 of which are in Northern Health.

71 people are in hospital and 24 are in ICU.

The death toll remains at 256.

Meanwhile, health officials continue to respond to 20 outbreaks in the healthcare system.

Five cases of the virus have been linked to an outbreak at Ecole L’Anse-au-Sable in Kelowna, and 160 people are in isolation.

Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry says the majority of transmission is linked to weddings, funerals, and other gatherings.

“The reality is that right now, everywhere in BC, weddings, funerals and other life occasions need to be as small as possible,” she said, “Something is not working.”

She says these social gatherings are high risk, and exposures are spilling over into other parts of the community.

Transmission is not exclusive to the lower mainland, says Dr. Henry, adding Covid-19 poses a significant risk to the entire province.

4,425 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of exposure.

“The new cases stemming from social gatherings are now spilling over and causing clusters and outbreaks in long-term care facilities, workplaces and schools right across our province,” said Doctor Henry.

“This means that right now, every gathering, event or occasion needs to be small. We need to stick with our immediate household and safe six only.”

Breakdown:

4,260 – Vancouver

6,720 – Fraser

249 – Island

644 – Interior

365 – Northern Health

88 – outside of Canada