Photo: Government of B.C. Flickr
Sophie Carrigan Gray
Local Journalism Initiative
Health officials are concerned about the increase in new COVID-19 cases in recent days, according to the latest provincial update.
Minister of Health Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a joint statement today updating British Columbians on the state of COVID-19 in the province. In the statement, Dix and Dr. Henry said current case numbers are a little worrying.
“We are concerned about the increase in new cases in recent days as COVID-19 continues to silently circulate in our communities,” said the statement.
Many of the new cases are likely linked to the community exposure events in Kelowna between June 25 and July 9, when a number of people attended larger than advised gatherings in the downtown area and along the waterfront.
There are now 17 cases linked to the Kelowna community exposure events, including a likely link to the Krazy Cherry Farm Co. outbreak in Oliver, B.C. This outbreak is the only active community outbreak in the province at this time.
Outbreaks in long-term and acute care facilities continue to decline, with only three ongoing at this time.
“While early on, many of our long-term care and assisted living facilities were impacted, most of the new cases are in the broader community,” said the joint statement. “Here in British Columbia, as we spend more time with others, we need to find our balance with COVID-19. We need to minimize the number of cases, manage new cases as they emerge and modify our activities accordingly.”
Health authorities announced an additional 21 cases today, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. to 3,149. There were no new deaths reported in Tuesday’s update.
