B.C. health officials are reporting 516 new cases of COVID-19 today, including 31 in Interior Health.

While it the fewest new cases since Nov. 9, active cases were up to another new record of 7,122, with 227 people in hospital of which 57 are in intensive care.

There were also ten new deaths reported taking the death toll from COVID-19 to 331 people.

“Yesterday, new and expanded provincial health officer’s orders came into effect around the province. The orders will help us slow the spread of COVID-19; to relieve the pressure on our health-care system and reduce the risks within our communities,” Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry said. “The provincewide orders are about all of us seeing fewer people, having safer workplaces and pausing higher risk activities.”

“The orders on social gatherings and events are to keep our families and friends safe. The best way to do that is to decrease our social interactions and spend as little time as possible with those outside of our immediate household.”

Within Interior Health, there are 235 active cases of COVID-19 with just one person in intensive care in the hospital. There were 294 cases in Fraser Health and 148 in Vancouver Coastal Health, with 17 on Vancouver Island and 25 in the North.

There are now 10,002 people being actively monitored by public health teams after being exposed to someone with a known case of the virus.

“We are all feeling the strain of COVID-19,” Henry added. “By taking a step back right now, we will all be able to enjoy the confidence in knowing that here in B.C. we have flattened our curve once again.”

“Today, on World Children’s Day, let’s look to our future generations and the brightness ahead, and let’s do our part for every child in our province, our nation and the world.”

The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 has reached 17,477, or 69 per cent of all recorded cases.