695 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths reported as B.C. continues to shatter records

Editor’s note: B.C. health officials incorrectly reported the number of new COVID-19 cases on Tues, Nov. 24 due to a technical error. The numbers below have since been corrected. For more COVID-19 data, go to the BC Centre for Disease Control website. 

B.C. reported another 695 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday and 10 new deaths.

Fraser Health saw 432 new cases of the disease, while Vancouver Coastal Health recorded 174.

The 10 deaths brought B.C.’s COVID-19 death toll to 358.

0:34 Coronavirus: B.C. orders all indoor group fitness activities to close immediately

The number of people in hospital rose by seven to 284, a new record. Of those, 61 are in intensive care, an increase of three from Monday when the province reported 1,933 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths over a span of three days.

There are 7,732 active cases in the province and a total of 10,283 people are in self-isolation due to possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Earlier in the day, the province ordered all gymnastic centres, dance studios, martial arts venues and yoga studios in British Columbia to close immediately while new guidance is being developed.

1:52 Christmas events put ‘on hold’ by pandemic

Last week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new orders, including a mandatory mask mandate in indoor public spaces, the extension of Lower Mainland restrictions on social gatherings and a suspension on in-person religious services.

The order put the brakes on holiday events such as the VanDusen Festival of Lights, the Stanley Park Bright Nights Christmas Train or The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens in Victoria.

On Nov. 12, Henry released modelling data that indicated British Columbia could see more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases a day if people don’t cut down on contacts.

2:11 B.C. releases November 2020 coronavirus modelling data

Health officials in Alberta brought in tougher COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday that include limits on social gatherings and less face-to-face class time for students.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said there are to be no indoor gatherings, but people who live alone can have up to two personal contacts.

He said students in Grades 7 through 12 will transition next week to at-home learning and the school holiday break will be extended from Dec. 18 to Jan. 11.

— With files from Richard Zussman and The Canadian Press