BC’s Provincial Health Officer is reporting 42 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the provincial total to 659.

Dr. Bonnie Henry has also reported one new death, the 11th linked to the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, bringing the provincial total to 14 deaths.

“I mean it does draw attention again to the fragility of our long term care facilities,” Henry said. “That is why we have put on some very strong measures, not only for the facilities where there have been outbreaks, but doing everything we can to try and protect our elders and seniors in those long term care homes around the province.”

The Interior Health Authority has 46 cases of COVID-19, which is five more than Tuesday’s 41 cases.

Dr. Henry once again stressed on the need for people to maintain social distance, even though her orders still allow for gatherings of up to 50 people.

“We need to continue to not meet in groups,” she said. “Even groups of 10, even groups of 20. Small groups, even two or three can sometimes be that transmission point.”

There are now nine long term care homes in the Lower Mainland with confirmed cases. As well, Dr. Henry says 183 people have fully recovered in the province.