COVID-19 case counts have dropped in the northwest, but the BC Centre for Disease Control says there are still a few hotspots in the area.

From January 23rd to 29th, Prince Rupert saw 79 new cases.

Smithers reported 81 new cases, Upper Skeena had 20 and Nechako saw 73.

All four of these places had infection rates higher than 60 cases per 100,000 people.

Areas with lower rates of the virus include Terrace with 86 new cases, Kitimat with 33, Burns Lake with 17, Haida Gwaii with six, Nisga'a with two and the Snow Country - Stikine - Telegraph Creek aggregate with six.

Cases also fell in many northwest regions last week. Areas such as Smithers, Burns Lake, Haida Gwaii and Upper Skeena recorded their lowest case counts in weeks during this reporting period.

In fact, Smithers' case count has fallen remarkably. From January 9th to 15, the region saw nearly 300 new cases.

However, it's important to remember these numbers only include cases confirmed through testing and that their actual case counts are likely much higher.