COVID-19 news and numbers for March 1

There were 303 active COVID-19 cases in the Northern Health region as of March 1, with 114 new cases reported from over the weekend (4,625 total).

There have been 4,200 recoveries, 106 deaths, and 64,579 tests to date. Twenty-nine are in hospital, 13 in critical care.

article continues below

Recent exposures

Northern Health reports recent school exposures at:

Notre Dame School, Dawson Creek - Feb. 16 to 18
Dawson Creek Secondary School (South Peace Campus), Dawson Creek - Feb. 16 to 17
Ecole Frank Ross Elementary, Dawson Creek - Feb. 16
North Peace Secondary School, Fort St. John - Feb. 16 to 17
Ma Murray Community School, Fort St. John - Feb 17 to 18
Ma Murray Community School, Fort St. John - Feb 11 to 12, and 16
Ecole Central Elementary School, Fort St. John - Feb. 9 to 12
Charlie Lake Elementary School, Charlie Lake - Feb. 8
Dr. Kearney Middle School, Fort St. John - Feb. 12
Dawson Creek Secondary (Central), Dawson Creek - Feb. 8 and 9
Dawson Creek Secondary (South Peace), Dawson Creek - Feb. 5 and 8
Fort Nelson Secondary School, Fort Nelson - Feb 1 to 3
Tremblay Elementary School, Dawson Creek - Feb. 2

There have been no flight exposures listed for Fort St. John so far in 2021.

Across B.C.

There were 4,464 active cases reported as of March 1, with 1,478 new cases reported from over the weekend (80,672 total).

There have been 74,776 recoveries and 1,363 deaths to date, with 8 new deaths reported.

There are 236 patients in hospital, 65 in critical care.

In northern Alberta, there were 1,084 active cases, 10,732 recoveries, and 136 deaths as of March 1. Twenty-five are in hospital, one in intensive care.

Latest news for March 1

B.C. unveils its vaccine rollout plan.
B.C. to offer second dose of vaccine after 4 months.
Churches in court to challenge B.C.'s health orders.
Feds hoping for AstraZeneca vaccine doses this week.
National panel advises provinces not to use AstraZeneca vaccine on seniors.
B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,089 workers in camp, 1 active case, 2 in isolation.
Pipeline for LNG Canada hits pandemic speedbump.
Vaccine tourism is both unethical and bad for business, experts say.

Latest news for Feb. 26

Health Canada approves AstraZeneca's vaccine.
Canada announces partnership with India-based company to secure more AstraZeneca doses.
B.C. welcomes new vaccine approvals
Federal deficit hits $248.2 billion for first nine months of 2020-21 fiscal year.
Economists predict slight rebound and moderate growth for B.C. economy in 2021.

Latest news for Feb. 25

Canadian small businesses rack up $135 billion in debt to survive pandemic.
Second vaccine doses exceed first doses as shipments ramp up.
Concern for rapid spread prevents B.C. from lifting restrictions: Dr. Henry.
Poll sniffs out rise in dog ownership during pandemic.
B.C. pandemic recovery forecast shows steady economic growth to 2023.
The latest on COVID at Site C: One new case; 1,082 workers in camp, 1 active case, 4 in isolation.
How to make the most of your workout budget during the pandemic.
Justice Minister David Lametti proposes permanent justice reforms in wake of pandemic.

Latest news for Feb. 24

B.C.'s death count stays low, as vaccination roll-out stays slow
Fort St. John has received $994,500 in Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program funding for the redevelopment of Kin Park.
Powder King Mountain Resort is receiving $1 million in rural economic recovery grants.
NDP will not trigger election as long as pandemic continues: Singh.
Some travellers from Toronto Pearson International Airport violating Quarantine Act.
CMHC: majority of mortgage deferrals have ended, risk of arrears could re-emerge.
CFL will have to appease more levels of government to get 2021 protocols approved.
Vaccinating essential workers before seniors in B.C. could save lives: experts.
Feds need plan to vaccinate urban Indigenous people, friendship centres say.

Latest news for Feb. 23

Canada set to accept largest vaccine delivery this week as shipping delays subside.
B.C. seniors over age 80 to get info next week on when they'll get vaccinated.
Dentists, midwives and more approved to assist in B.C. vaccination clinics.
Vaccines could allow toughest restrictions to lift before September.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,047 workers in camp, 0 active cases, 3 in isolation.
Not to be sniffed at: Agony of post-COVID-19 loss of smell.
Cases more than double in federal prisons during second wave of pandemic.
Industry pleased as B.C. permanently allows restaurants to buy wholesale liquor.

Latest news for Feb. 22

Canada's 'long-haulers' without family doctor need primary care.
Testing finds variant from the United Kingdom in five B.C. schools.
Variant in schools means it's time for all students to wear masks: BCTF
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,078 workers in camp, 0 active cases, 5 in isolation.
Isolation and sanitation during COVID-19 may affect human microbiome.
Slow reopening of the economy still backed by majority in B.C.

Latest news for Feb. 19

Record number of British Columbians vaccinated in single day
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,066 workers in camp, 2 active cases, 1 in isolation.
Coastal GasLink bringing back pipeline workers after pandemic plan approved.
Ottawa pledges millions more in support for global vaccine-sharing program after criticism.
Canada aims to double genomic surveillance for variants.
A quick look at some of the variants that have been identified.

Latest news for Feb. 18

Active cases decline in Northern Health.
Single vaccine jab appears highly effective against COVID-19, experts say.
Canada looking at evidence vaccines almost as effective after just one dose.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,014 workers in camp, 2 active cases, 1 in isolation.
UNBC researchers tackling COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are five projects by companies tackling COVID-19 to watch in Canada.
‘Legitimate’ questions raised about further delaying second vaccine doses: Ottawa.
Who have provinces pegged to receive vaccines in the coming weeks?
Canadians face challenging RRSP year as pandemic continues.
Cost of mandatory quarantine for newly arrived refugees to be covered by government.
Canada home to health research successes, but needs culture shift: expert.

Latest news for Feb. 17

Judge dismisses B.C. request for injunction against churches breaking COVID-19 rules.
Health Canada not ready to greenlight AstraZeneca vaccine
Northern B.C.'s COVID death toll up by seven.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,042 workers in camp, 2 active cases, 2 in isolation.
Up to 6,000 British Columbians may have to wait more than 42 days for second vaccine dose.
B.C. reports three new COVID-19 deaths – lowest daily total in 13 weeks.
Provinces should prioritize vaccinating Indigenous people: Miller

What we're reading

#ZeroCOVID or #HarmReduction?: "Though some countries are close to achieving the idea of a 'Zero Covid' goal, U.S. doctor Vinay Prasad questions whether that’s even possible, let alone practical, on a global scale. The doctor makes a pragmatic argument in favour of harm reduction instead, and points out the probable troubles and severe downsides of a world subjected to the whims of lockdown: riots and strife, military force, kids with educational deficits, and the loss of upward mobility for all of us." — Matt Preprost, managing editor

Calcifediol Treatment and COVID-19-Related Outcomes: “Newly published research out of Spain continues to show the importance of Vitamin D in both infection prevention and treatment for COVID. Their study of hospital patients shows calcifediol treatment — an activated form of Vitamin D — significantly reduced ICU admissions by 80%, and mortality by 60%. The researchers said most of the patients studied were Vitamin D deficient, which they said is not only ‘easily correctable’, but also an ‘easy, cheap’ way to control the severity of the disease and fatal outcomes. Are you getting enough Vitamin D?” — Matt Preprost, managing editor

Most international travelers still exempt from new COVID hotel quarantine rules: "New rules looking like the old rules." — Tom Summer, reporter

Why So Many Are Gambling with Contracting Covid-19: "What are the chances of catching COVID? Dying from the vaccine? Mathematician Joseph Mazur isn't sure he can say, but he shares some insight into the psychology of gambling addition to help cut through common misunderstanding and beliefs about the pandemic." — Matt Preprost, managing editor

International travel 'biggest impact' on deaths: "International travel the leading cause for COVID deaths, say experts. Not shocking, but neat we finally have data to prove it." — Tom Summer, reporter

The Pandemic That Lasted 15 Million Years: “Hidden in the human genome is a so-called viral ‘fossil’ called ERV-Fc, which scientists believe originated 33 million years and caused a pandemic that infected at least 26 species, including the common ancestor of all Great Apes. A cool short doc from PBS on what scientists are still trying to learn about this virus.” — Matt Preprost, managing editor

Don't like Canada's new mandatory quarantine? It's part of why New Zealand is now back to normal: "Island nations are faring much better in the pandemic. National Post is more or less making the argument that we should adopt their COVID strategy." — Tom Summer, reporter

Vancouver man fined $2,500 for makeshift nightclub: "Called Granny’s, the penthouse nighclub featured exotic dancers, DJs, light shows, servers, and a full bar. The fine was handed to a doorman, but the actual owner is Mohammad Movassaghi, a former wealth adviser who bought the penthouse less than two months ago for just under $3 million. It shows how people with wealth can afford to break the rules; the $2,500 would hardly be an inconvenience." — Tom Summer, reporter

How Canada's battle against the second wave is going: "As British Columbians look forward to Feb. 5 in hopes COVID-19 restrictions will be loosened, this article from Macleans, and especially its third graph, shows that B.C. is down to it’s lowest daily case count since early November, and has managed the recent spike well — and much better than the other provinces across the country." — Dillon Giancola, reporter

Fast-spreading COVID variant can elude immune responses: "I feel like COVID is reaching urban myth status as a virus, with even experts confused on what it can and can’t do. Naming every variant sort of plays into the fear that people already have surrounding the pandemic. But, if the science is to be trusted we might not even be able to achieve herd immunity." — Tom Summer, reporter

Foreign nationals getting their COVID shots in Florida: "Where do we draw the line on medical tourism in our post-COVID world? I’ve already seen lots of stories on doctors jumping the queue, but this is interesting. Snowbirds are getting their shots in Florida, then hopping back. So are others from around the world where vaccines are restricted to priority groups." — Tom Summer, reporter

Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine contender: "In a Quebec City greenhouse, scientists are experimenting with tobacco plants to find a made-in-Canada vaccine for COVID-19. They've already used the plants to develop a vaccine for influenza, under review by Health Canada, while phase 3 trials for a possible COVID vaccine begin this month in 11 countries." — Matt Preprost, managing editor

The Lab-Leak Hypothesis: "Did the COVID-19 virus escape from a lab? A timely question as WHO scientists only now begin their investigations into its origins one year after it emerged in Wuhan, China. Many experts and critics dismiss the theory, but Nicholas Barker’s exhaustive 14-chapter article for New York Magazine brings readers into a world of global virus research out of sight and out of mind to the ordinary person — and to a mine shaft 940 miles from Wuhan, where the closest known relative of the COVID-19 virus was discovered in 2013.” — Matt Preprost, managing editor

Lead Pickton prosecutor dies of COVID-19 complications: "It’s not really about COVID, it’s just about a man. I think it’s important to put a face to people who have actually died from COVID." — Tom Summer, reporter

How COVID-19 can damage the brain: "Scientists will be studying COVID-19 for years to come. People continue to have a wide variety of symptoms and lingering effects: delirium, psychosis, memory loss, strokes. Some develop symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. Researchers know the virus can infect neurons, but are struggling to understand why. Biobanks are being created to store tissue samples for the years of research to come." — Dillon Giancola, reporter

Latest news for Feb. 16

Poll finds most Canadians blame federal government for vaccine delays.
Frustrated with government efforts, business groups push plan to avoid lockdowns.
The latest on COVID at Site C: Two new cases reported; 1,021 workers in camp, 2 active cases, 2 in isolation.
Think you may need to repay CERB? Best to start planning now, experts say.
Freeland appeals to Tories to hurry passage of COVID-19 relief bill.
Singh pledges military deployment for vaccines in election campaign-style promise.

Latest news for Feb. 15

Feds expect Pfizer to start ramping up vaccine deliveries to Canada this week.
Provinces to boost vaccination efforts as Pfizer deliveries expected to ramp up.
Racialized adults on revised vaccination priority list.
Reports of domestic, intimate partner violence continue to rise during pandemic.
A rural-urban divide: Data gives most detailed look yet at where CERB went.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,035 workers in camp, 1 active case, 2 in isolation.

Latest news for Feb. 12

Hospitalizations in B.C. down 40% so far in 2021.
Number of B.C. patients in ICU falls for eighth straight day.
Stricter border controls for travellers to begin Feb. 22.
B.C. judge questions court role in managing health orders banning church gatherings.
Northern B.C. nurses cracking under the strain of pandemic.
Pfizer confirms delivery of 4 million vaccine doses by end of March.
B.C. Health Minister says nearly 55,000 doses due next week.
Two more deaths in Northern Health.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,051 workers in camp, 2 active cases, 2 in isolation.
Nigerian variant identified in B.C.

Latest news for Feb. 11

Pfizer and Moderna face crunch to meet March vaccine delivery deadlines.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,026 workers in camp, 3 active cases, 3 in isolation.

Latest news for Feb. 10

An outbreak at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. has been declared over.
Hospitalizations in B.C. return to multi-month low.
Active cases tumble in Northern Health.
CEO of B.C.'s Provincial Health Services Authority leaves after report into alleged misspending.
India will 'do its best' to get vaccines to Canada, says PM Narendra Modi.
Surging rate of infections eases; health officials warn against complacency.
The latest on COVID at Site C: One new case reported; 1,029 workers in camp, 3 active cases, 2 in isolation.
Lockdowns limit access to national library and archive collections.

Latest news for Feb. 9

B.C. seeks injunction against churches violating ban on services.
WHO team: Coronavirus unlikely to have leaked from China lab.
Thousands of Canadians told they'd have to repay federal emergency benefits are getting reprieves.
B.C. to do clinical trial of COVID-19 drug on emergency basis to treat severe cases.
Feds to require negative COVID-19 test for those entering Canada at land borders.
It’s been a frustrating hockey season for many people across Canada, but not for Hunter Brown — the Fort St. John forward has used this practice-only pandemic season to improve his play, and land a Junior A roster spot for next season.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,025 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 3 in isolation.
Finally, the NBC Ice Volleyball Club is playing volleyball again.
Air Canada to temporarily cut at least 1,500 jobs, suspend 17 foreign routes.
World economy will lose trillions if poor countries shorted on vaccines: OECD

Latest news for Feb. 8

Changes are being made to the way Northern Health officials conduct contact tracing.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,004 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 6 in isolation.
Some B.C. seniors may receive vaccine clinic instructions within days
Youngest adults driving the move to online food delivery in B.C.
A breakdown of Canada's isolation sites as details are revealed on hotel requirements.
Ottawa lays out criteria for quarantine hotels as it inches toward new travel rule.
Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta begin relaxing COVID-19 restrictions.
As feds audit landlords over rent aid, businesses fall through cracks of new program.

Latest news for Feb. 5

B.C. is extending restrictions on social gatherings, religious services, and events indefinitely.
Quebec judge sides with Hasidic Jews, changes COVID rules on religious gatherings
Employment in northeast B.C. grew by 100 in January as job growth flattened across the province to start the new year.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,026 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 3 in isolation.
Richard Bell ready to lead Peace Gallery North into post-pandemic future.
Anti-poverty groups blast Canada for accepting vaccines needed in poor countries.
Trudeau defends tapping COVAX program meant to ensure equitable vaccine access for poorer countries.
Fort St. John is facing a $3.6-million deficit this year, of which $1.1 million is related to the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID taxation an ‘ad hoc, band-aid process,’ says accountant.
Active cases in Northern Health stood at 397 on Thursday — a 32-case jump from the day before.
Crystal Cup postponed for second year, moved to 2022.
B.C. officials urge 'safe choices' on Super Bowl Sunday

Latest news for Feb. 4

B.C. middle and high school students, all staff now required to wear masks in classrooms
Ottawa has not been able to confirm how many Moderna vaccines are set to arrive this month amid ongoing delivery delays.
Canadians evenly split on progress of COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 1,025 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 4 in isolation.
Hospitalizations in B.C. hit 10-week low.

Latest news for Feb. 3

Downward infections in B.C. will help with faster-spreading variants.
B.C. to help small and medium-sized businesses launch online storefronts with $12-million grant program.
The latest on COVID at Site C: One new case reported; 1,043 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 4 in isolation.
A brief look at the seven vaccines Canada has pre-ordered.
Canada's deliveries from COVAX join growing list of vaccine confusion.
Priority vaccines urged for homeless population, shelter staff.
Fear that delayed second vaccine doses could lead to new variants 'realistic': experts.
COVID ads have had varying effects, with some 'super cringeworthy': marketers

Latest news for Feb. 2

Canada has signed a tentative agreement for Novavax to produce millions of doses of its vaccine in Canada once it's approved for use.
Canada's COVID isolation centres were in plans last fall, may last two years.
Forestry, mining, energy have shown resilience and innovation during the pandemic.
Almost three million B.C. drivers will receive ICBC rebates ranging from $25 to $400.

Latest news for Feb. 1

Ramp up Canadian vaccine manufacturing, says COVID-19 task force health adviser
Air Canada, Rogers and Suncor part of consortium piloting rapid testing.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 989 workers in camp, 3 active cases, 5 in isolation.
Canada is putting together possible options for leverage if Europe breaks its promise not to cut off Canada's shipments of vaccines.
Canada’s hopes of speeding up vaccinations brightened slightly over the weekend as regulators began work to approve a new inoculation.
WHO teams visits Wuhan food market in search of virus clues.
COVID-19 clinics for 'long haulers' aim to treat patients stuck in limbo

Latest news for Jan. 29

Canada is suspending all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean starting Jan. 31.
The new restrictions on flights are likely to trigger bankruptcies in Canada's airline sector and force permanent closures for airports and travel agencies, aviation experts say.
John Horgan says he supports the new travel restrictions.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 931 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 5 in isolation.
Further delays to vaccine deliveries are “proving to be a challenge” for B.C.’s vaccination strategy.
First dose of vaccine delivered in all B.C. long-term care homes.
Hospitalizations in B.C. fall to nine-week low.
Alberta to ease some restrictions on gyms, restaurants, school sports.

Latest news for Jan. 28

The latest on COVID at Site C: 988 workers in camp, 4, active cases, 3 in isolation.
Pfizer and BioNTech are already assuming Canada will agree their vaccine vials contain six doses instead of five and are using that to project how many vials they will send Canada in the coming weeks.

Latest news for Jan. 27

Premier warns B.C. will come down on COVID rule-breakers ‘like a ton of bricks’.
B.C. records lowest daily total of new deaths in more than nine weeks.
New figures point to a major drop in police-recorded crime during the first eight months of the pandemic last year.
The latest on COVID at Site C: One new case; 954 workers in camp, 4 active cases, 4 in isolation.
A prospective vaccine touted as a made-in-Canada response has begun human clinical trials in Toronto.
Canada scrambling for smaller syringes ahead of expected Pfizer vaccine label change.
Canadian military dealing with surge in new infections since December.
B.C. ramping up screening for faster-spreading South Africa, UK virus variants

Latest news for Jan. 26

New infections in B.C. continue to trend lower.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 944 workers in camp, 5 active cases, 3 in self-isolation.
Couple accused of flying to Yukon for vaccine 'despicable': B.C. minister
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is warning Canadians to cancel any non-essential trips planned abroad or even within Canada as new travel restrictions are on the way.

Latest news for Jan. 25

BC Hydro has confirmed that a Site C worker has died from COVID-19.
The latest on COVID at Site C: 942 workers in camp, 7 active cases, 3 in self-isolation.
Northern Health and Immunize BC aim to vaccinate 5,600 northerners a day starting in April.
B.C. health officials will delay the second doses of vaccines yet again amid ongoing supply shortages.
Some provinces were forced to push back vaccination for health-care workers and vulnerable seniors on Monday as deliveries from a major manufacturer ground to a temporary halt.
Report: B.C.'s COVID response in long-term care lacked coordination, centralized oversight.
The federal government is "looking seriously" at mandatory hotel quarantines for air travellers returning from non-essential trips abroad.
About 40 misinformation debunkers are using the hashtag #ScienceUpFirst to provide science-based evidence on social media.

Latest news

The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine were given in Fort St. John on Friday.
B.C. has unveiled its vaccination plan for general population.
Now that B.C. has rolled out its COVID-19 vaccine plan, health care professionals are wondering why a report on the fatal spread of COVID-19 in long-term homes has yet to be made public.
Northern Health has declared the outbreak over at two workforce accommodation sites for the Coastal Gas Link project.
A group of large businesses in Banff National Park is proposing a rapid COVID-19 testing project meant to help reopen the economy safely.
Pfizer has informed Canada delays to its vaccine shipments are going to be even worse than previously thought.
Premier John Horgan and B.C. health officials will give an update Friday on the province's strategy for immunization.
Ottawa wants to increase testing from 10,000 to 100,000 people a day.
The B.C. government says a review of legal options has made it clear it cannot prevent people from travelling to the province from elsewhere in Canada.
Triumph Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness has been forced to suspend operations following an anonymous complaint received last week.
Peace River North MLA Dan Davies is calling on the NDP to fully reinstate a supplemental COVID benefit for those living on income and disability assistance.
Central Mountain Air will suspend flights between Fort Nelson and Prince George starting in February, blaming the federal government for inaction on promised pandemic supports for airlines.
Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix say the B.C.'s case count is "trending in the right direction."
Despite pandemic challenges, B.C.’s northern Prince Rupert port saw a record year for cargoes in 2020 with 32.4 million tonnes moving through the port.
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says the federal government is working with the provinces to prioritize vaccinating indigenous people.
The B.C. government has approved more than 1 million applications and $682 million in benefit payouts. Nearly half a million applications have been flagged for review.
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the province is still on track to begin administering second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine despite the news that no vials will be delivered to Canada next week.
Almost two-thirds of Canadians would support a nightly curfew if necessary — even though they're not convinced it would be effective, a new poll suggests.