Northern Health dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases

Northern Health, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Indigenous communities and the District of Fort St. James, are closely monitoring and responding to a surge of COVID-19 cases in Fort St. James and nearby communities.

Between November 18th and December 17th, there have been 108 cases of COVID-19 in the central and northern portions of the Nechako Health Area.

This includes 33 cases confirmed between December 9th and 15th, there are still 65 active cases.

Northern Health is now urging everyone to act responsibly and  adhere to the following guidelines as we enter the Holidays:

• No social gatherings of any size; social interactions and gatherings are limited to those in your immediate household only.
• Travel for essential purposes only; people should not travel to visit others unless it is urgently required or essential.
• Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces; masks are required for everyone in all indoor public settings, workplaces and retail stores.
• Staying home if you are sick

All Public Health guidelines can be found on the BC Government website.

The Health Authority is reminding everyone that not all COVID-19 infected individuals are tested and reported; the virus may be circulating undetected, including in areas where no cases have been identified by public health.