Interior Health reports additional 9 COVID-19 cases today, 7 linked to Kelowna

Interior Health is reporting an additional nine COVID-19 cases in the region since yesterday.

That makes for a total of 369 cases in Interior Health since the start of the pandemic.

There are 137 cases linked to Kelowna since June 26 — There has been an increase in linked cases from yesterday of seven, which reflects additional information received while investigations are ongoing.

Interior Health says that about 60% of the Kelowna-linked cases are considered recovered.

The number of healthcare worker cases at Kelowna General Hospital remains at eight, and there are no hospitalizations at this time.

Interior Health medical health officer Dr. Silvina Mema says that the July long weekend was an important reminder that COVID-19 is still in our communities and can spread quickly.

“The increases in Kelowna started with a relatively small number of positive cases,” said Mema. “The spread from these gatherings shows just how important it is to keep to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s recommendation of fewer faces, bigger spaces.”

Mema is urging people to be careful this long weekend.

Residents are being told to avoid large gatherings, especially indoors, of people who don’t know each other.

“We are urging everyone this long weekend to keep your gatherings small; to people you know; to those in your bubble,” said Mema.

“Dr. Henry has asked all of us to support each other, encourage our family and friends to socialize safely and to be her voice on social media. We know that we can make a difference in how the pandemic impacts our region, by following public health guidelines”