News

As COVID-19 activity increases across B.C., guidance for when to get a COVID-19 test has been updated.

A COVID-19 test is not recommended if:

• You have no symptoms, even if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive
• You are fully vaccinated (two doses), experiencing mild symptoms and can manage your illness at home. Self-isolate for five days. Notify your close contacts so they can self-monitor for symptoms

A COVID-19 test is recommended if:

Northern Health (NH) is aligning public health orders for Gatherings and Events with COVID-19 restrictions for the rest of BC.

The current NH Gatherings and Events COVID-19 Order has been in place since December 24, 2021, as NH and provincial public health officials have continually evaluated rates of COVID-19 activity, and the impact on health care resources. The north continues to see increases in the number of new COVID cases, while rates of serious illness and hospitalizations have not increased beyond levels seen elsewhere in the province.

Northern Health is planning temporary services adjustments to strengthen patient care due to existing staffing challenges and Omicron related COVID-19 staffing pressures.

**January 8 update to the below information bulletin released yesterday: The booking pause referred to is no longer required, and the additional capacity for upcoming Prince George vaccine clinics at the PG Conference & Civic Centre are available for booking in the Get Vaccinated provincial system, online and by phone. Thank you.**

Northern Health is working to double capacity for COVID-19 vaccinations in Prince George, adding additional clinic days each week and returning to the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre for expanded clinic space.

Northern Health is appreciative of all the assistance we have received to date from health care providers in the North supporting our COVID-19 immunization clinics. This support has been an integral component of Northern Health’s COVID-19 response, administering vaccine doses to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 on our communities and health care system.

Right now Northern Health is seeking help.

There has been an increase in overdose events across the Northern region from substances sold as down.

Every New Year’s Day, Northern Health monitors its hospitals and labour and delivery units for the birth of New Year’s babies across the region.

Watch this page for updates on the birth of New Year’s babies in communities across the North.

Smithers’ New Year’s Baby is a boy!

Baby boy Nathan was born at 12:08 pm January 1st at Bulkley Valley District Hospital, weighing 8 lbs, 6 oz. He is welcomed to the world by a big brother. Happy Birthday, little one – and congratulations to the family!

Dr. Margo Greenwood, an Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry, has worked for over 30 years to transform the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families, and communities. Her work creates a more just and equitable Canada.