Daily Covid count hits new high for B.C.

Aug 17, 2020 | 3:40 PM

The number of new Covid-19 cases continues to grow in British Columbia.

Dr. Reka Gustafson, deputy provincial health officer, who is filling in for Dr. Bonnie Henry on updates this week, reported 236 new cases in B.C. since Friday, including 100 between Friday and Saturday, which is reportedly the highest daily number in B.C. since the pandemic began.

There were 6 new cases in Interior Health (IH).

There are 14 active cases in IH with two people in hospital.

Within IH, there are *164 cases linked to Kelowna since June 26. Five are active and in isolation. (*This is a corrected number due to a data entry change.)

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Over the weekend, three additional cases related to the Oknanagan Correctional Centre were confirmed, rasing the totla to six positive cases, all staf.

“On behalf of Interior Health, I commend everyone living the region for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19. As we know, the maximum COVID-19 incubation period is 14 days and today marks a milestone following the BC Day long weekend. During the past two weeks we have seen low case counts, proving all of our hard work and dedication can make a difference. Now, as we approach the fall, I urge everyone to redouble their commitment to fighting this pandemic. We must all follow the public health direction offered by Dr. Bonnie Henry and stay familiar with ways to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID-19,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health.

There are 743 active cases, with 4 in hospital, 3 in critical condition.

A total of 2,286 people are actively being monitored for Covid-19 by public health.

“We do have an increasing number of cases of Covid-19 in B.C. and the majority of new infections are among young adults, said Gustafson. “This tell us we have done a relatively good job of protecting the most vulnerable, but we are also reporting some new outbreaks in long term care facilities, and that’s a really important reminder to us all that the risk to vulnerable citizens remains.”

There are two new Covid-related deaths, both in Fraser region (198 total).

Health Minister Adrian Dix said the province is planning increased enforcement for large parties or gatherings with more details later this week.

“One of the major concerns we continue to have is private gatherings and parties, and the most dangerous are indoor private parties and gatherings. We are continuing to review what can be done about those and to engage with people and discourage people from hosting such gathering. Fifty is the maximum number of people who can go to a gathering in B.C. However depending on where you are, the number that is safe for you is considerably below this.”

Dix gave credit to many restaurants and bars for following guidelines.

“But we cannot let a few wreck it for everyone else,” said the minister.

Case counts by region: