Twenty-one new cases of COVID-19, including two epi-linked cases, have been identified in British Columbia’s latest 24-hour stretch.
It marks the sixth day of the last seven that the province has recorded at least 20 cases. Before the recent stretch, it had not surpassed the 20-daily case mark since June 3.
“We are concerned about the increase in new cases in recent days as COVID-19 continues to silently circulate in our communities,” said a press release by Adrian Dix, minister of health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.
“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… We need to minimize the number of cases, manage new cases as they emerge and modify our activities accordingly.”
Earlier this week, health officials linked at least 13 positive cases to events that occured in Kelowna’s waterfront district between June 25 and July 9. Dix said the initial infections are believed to have stemmed from two private parties held around Canada Day, involving people mainly in their 20s and 30s. Some of the infected patients went to other local businesses, before they were contacted by public health teams, prompting exposure warnings to the public.
“People have to show good judgement with respect to events,” said Dix. “Whether we are going to a party when we travel or when we go to a party at home, the same concerns, the same risks apply.”
Of the 3,149 cases that have been diagnosed throughout the pandemic, 2,753 people have recovered, up by 23 since Tuesday.
No new deaths were recorded, as the death toll remains at 189 in British Columbia.
Of the 207 active cases that remain, there are 14 people in hospital, which includes five in intensive care.
Since June 24, the province has been in Stage 3 of its reopening plan, which has a focus on inter-provincial travel.
