One of White Rock's best-known restaurateurs has joined the growing list of British Columbians who've died after contracting COVID-19.

John Carroll founded Charlie Don't Surf on Marine Drive in 1985.

According to the business's Facebook page, he passed away on October 7 after a hard-fought battle against the virus.

"We lost a mentor, and the world lost a White Rock legend," the restaurant stated.

The statement on Facebook described Carroll as an immigrant and self-made man.

"We all knew him to be a sassy, hard working man who was always eager to give feedback and to make his vision for the world a reality," the message continued. "His powerful presence and willingness to go the extra mile for his friends and family enabled the creation of multiple businesses in all walks of life—all our extended family.

"We know he’s looking down on his legacy with a wheat grass smoothie and an organic grass fed beef skewer in hand. We’ll miss you boss."

Today, the B.C. government reported that there were five new deaths over the past 24 hours from COVID-19.

That brings the total death toll to 2,001 from the virus since early last year. 

Spike in cases in Northern Health

There were 743 new cases across the province, bringing the number of active cases to 5,969.

Of those, 360 are in hospital and 137 are in intensive care.

Northern Health had a record number of 196 new cases over 24 hours for that region, bringing the total number of active cases to 893.

Communities in this health authority have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the province.

The largest number of new cases were in Fraser Health (265), which also has the largest number of active cases (2,239).

There are 833 active cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, including 69 new cases.

There were 143 new cases in Interior Health, lifting its total number of active cases to 1,129.

Island Health had the lowest number of new cases (70), bringing the total number of active cases to 717.

There have also been two new health-care facility outbreaks: Cherington Place (Fraser Health) and Haven Hill Retirement Centre (Interior Health).

There are 17 active outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • Willingdon Care Centre, Westminster House, The Residence in Mission, Magnolia Gardens, Manoah Manor, Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre, Cherington Place (Fraser Health);
  • Cottonwoods Care Centre, Joseph Creek Care Village, Overlander, Village by the Station, Haven Hill Retirement Centre (Interior Health); and
  • Wrinch Memorial Hospital (Northern Health).
• acute care:
  • Mission Memorial Hospital (Fraser Health); and
  • University Hospital of Northern BC (Northern Health).
• assisted or independent living:
  • Sunset Manor (Fraser Health); and
  • Cooper Place (Vancouver Coastal Health).