B.C. COVID-19 update coming after case record shattered, return to school altered

At the end of a week that included record-breaking daily case totals and an admission that the real numbers could be much higher, British Columbia health officials are holding a second news conference about the spread of COVID-19.

At the end of a week that included record-breaking daily case totals and an admission that the real numbers could be much higher, British Columbia health officials are holding a second news conference about the spread of COVID-19.

The provincial health officer and health minister said previously that news conference would take place at 10 a.m. Friday.

CTVNewsVancouver.ca is streaming the news conference LIVE.

Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix may give more information on the just-announced plan for students' return to school. Less than a week before kids were due back in class after Christmas break, the doctor announced a staggered return instead, starting with special needs students and children of essential workers.

The majority of students will go back to class the week after, Henry said.

She and Dix will also likely be asked about COVID-19 case counts, which reached record highs multiple days this week, including on Thursday. The total number of confirmed cases that day was 1,439 cases higher than ever reported in a single day in B.C.

The previous record, set just one day before, was shattered when the daily figure went from 2,944 on Wednesday to 4,383 on Thursday.