BC health officials report 516 new COVID-19 cases

During the update, she announced 538 new cases.

There are now 7,122 active cases in BC, with 227 people in hospital and 57 in ICU.

"I am extending the regional orders that now apply to the Fraser and Vancouver Health regions across the entire province and I am putting new provincewide orders in place", said the top doctor.

Ten people also passed away in the province in the last 24 hours as a result of COVID-19 complications, bringing the B.C. death total to 331.

This means the original orders regarding social gatherings, namely that they are only allowed within your immediate household, now apply to the entire province.

People who live alone can create a small exclusive "bubble" with one or two others, Henry said.

The new mandatory measure is a departure from Henry's previous approach, which has emphasized strong recommendations to convince the public to comply with wearing masks in indoor public spaces. The mandatory mask requirement is in response to recent public health orders issued because of growing numbers of COVID-19.

High-risk indoor group fitness activities, including high intensity interval training, hot yoga and spin classes are suspended as well.