Number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in B.C. and the Interior

There were 11 new COVID-19 cases in the Interior Health region in the last 24 hours and 30 new cases in province as a whole, according to a joint statement issued by the B.C. health minister and provincial health officer today.

That brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. to 3,328 total cases, with a total of 291 in the Interior.

"Many of the new cases are a result of community transmission from an increase in social interactions this summer,” states the statement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix. “This trend is a concern, but we can turn this trend around.

"We can stop transmission by seeing fewer people, only spending time with people we know, keeping a safe distance from others and using a mask when that is difficult. Let's continue to follow these rules for safe social interactions.”

The release does not state how many of B.C.’s 266 active cases are linked to the “exposure” events in Kelowna surrounding the Canada Day holiday.

"The recent community cases have meant that some restaurants, wineries and recreational facilities in the Okanagan and Lower Mainland have been notified of a potential exposure with some employees, or have had employees who are confirmed positive for COVID-19,” the release states.

"We commend the businesses who have proactively notified the public and temporarily closed for additional cleaning. This is a clear example of how we can contain the risk when it is known, slow the spread and continue to operate safely.”

The number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 remain relatively low at 15 with only three people in intensive care.

Since the start of the pandemic there have been 1,731 cases in the Fraser Health region, 1,043 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 140 in the Island Health region, 69 in the Northern Health region and 54 people who live outside of Canada.

There have been 2,873 people who tested positive who have recovered.

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