2,206 new COVID-19 cases and 74 deaths reported in B.C.

British Columbia health officials are urging people to avoid gatherings in celebration of New Year's Eve.

The request comes as the province released five days of COVID-19 figures over the holiday season, showing 2,206 new cases for a total of 50,815 infections since the pandemic began.

The province also reported 74 deaths from the virus, largely among those living in long-term care or assisted-living facilities.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says people need to follow public health orders forbidding social gatherings ahead of New Year's Eve.

Dr. Henry says there were lower COVID-19 numbers over the holidays partly because fewer people wanted to be tested and potentially have to go into quarantine.

She says the number of positive cases could rise in the next few days.