However, the small drop in hospital-bound cases has been erased since Friday.

British Columbia's health officials are slated to provide their latest update on the novel coronavirus pandemic at 3 p.m. PT on Friday.

On Thursday, Canada reached 10,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the comments as she confirmed 53 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, for a total of 1,066 in the province.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said there are 86 new cases province-wide over the past 48 hours, bringing the total to 970 cases of the novel coronavirus in B.C.

British Columbia has confirmed 86 new cases of the novel coronavirus since Saturday, bringing the provincial total to 970.

B.C.'s provincial health officer has set new guidelines for food and grocery stores operating through the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Laura Freeman, who is also working as a registered nurse, went as far as to launch a petition for early nursing certification that she said is finally starting to see some traction.

The update comes a day after officials released new modelling data showing B.C. could be on track to avoid a "worst-case scenario" as the outbreak continues.

B.C.'s top doctor says she is optimistic that social distancing measures put in place are helping to "level off" the spread of the novel coronavirus, but warns hospitals could still be overwhelmed by a rapid increase in cases.