News

There has been an increase in overdose events in the communities of Terrace and Smithers. The reported substance is a deep blue crystal, sold as “heroin”. When cooked, the substance turns purple.

Northern Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak among contracted workforces on the Site C hydroelectric dam project in Northeast BC. This follows lab-confirmed cases and clusters of COVID-19 among employees across the site operations, and evidence of on-site transmission among workers.

Northern Health Medical Health Officers are working with Trans Mountain, to manage a cluster of COVID-19 cases among employees and contractors in the Valemount area.

To date, 16 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in association with the cluster, and the cases are considered active at this time. There are approximately 50 close contacts in self-isolation.

Ongoing challenges with physician and nursing staff coverage are expected to require intermittent planned diversions of the emergency department at Dawson Creek & District Hospital, between August 8 and 14, 2021.

The diversions are necessary to ensure safe patient care, and adequate relief for existing staff. The emergency room is the only department affected during periods of diversion. The rest of the hospital will remain open, and current inpatients will not be impacted.

TERRACE - Residents and communities in northwestern B.C. are being supported with rapid response from a new Northwest Specialized Response Team (SRT) for those facing mental health and substance use challenges.

"People in northern B.C. need and deserve access to vital addiction and mental health supports," said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "I'm grateful to see the co-operation of so many to create a system of care that meets the needs of people in each community."

Northern Health is pleased to advise that a COVID-19 outbreak declared June 11, 2021 at Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek, is officially over. COVID-19 outbreak protocols are being lifted for the affected unit (Special Care Unit-South).

In total, there were two confirmed resident cases of COVID-19; sadly, one of the residents who had tested positive in association with the outbreak passed away, and Northern Health extends condolences to their family, friends and caregivers.

The Ministry of Health and BC's Provincial Health Officer, issue daily joint statements regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia. These announcements can be found on the BC Government News web site and are posted between 3 to 8 pm each day.

As high temperatures and humidex values continue for much of Northern BC into the beginning of July, Northern Health is again reminding all residents and visitors to be aware of the risks of too much heat or sun exposure.