B.C. reports 998 new COVID-19 cases over two days as hospitalizations surge

B.C. reported 998 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths over two days on Monday, as the number of people in hospital with the virus continues to grow.

There were 536 cases from Saturday to Sunday, marking the third straight day that daily cases totals topped 500, and 462 cases from Sunday to Monday, bringing B.C.’s total to 18,714.

2:21 Dr. Bonnie Henry on additional law enforcement of regional COVID-19 restrictions

Of the new cases, 737 are in Fraser Health and 210 are in Vancouver Coastal Health.

There are a record 4,891 active cases in B.C., an increase of 1,150 since Friday.

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Five people died of COVID-19 over the past two days, bringing the provincial death toll to 281.

1:33 Confusion surrounds B.C.’s new restrictions on gatherings

There are 133 people being treated in hospital — the highest total since April 14. Of those, 43 are in intensive care — the most since April 23.

The news conference took place two days after the province unveiled new regional public health orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The order banned all social gatherings with anyone not a part of one’s household in the Fraser Health and Coastal Health regions, and all indoor group physical activities and sports where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

2:18 B.C. health minister on confusion over new COVID-19 restrictions

Travel into and outside of the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley is discouraged.

Officials will also close any businesses that still don’t have COVID-19 safety plans in place.

The orders went into effect on Saturday and will remain in place until midnight on Nov. 23.

— With files from Simon Little and The Canadian Press