Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 30 new cases of COVID-19. 29 have tested positive and 1 has been epidemiologically linked. Of those 30 new cases, 11 are in the Interior Health Region.

In addition, one new death has been announced at a long-term care home.

At this point, BC has 304 active cases of COVID-19, of which 16 are in the hospital and three are in ICU.

Dr. Henry warns that the trend of cases is now increasing, and that British Columbians must continue to work hard to flatten the curve.

“Being around crowds of people, especially people you don’t know puts you and your family and your friends at risk,” said Dr. Henry.

“Instead for you and those you care for to stay safe we need you to keep your groups small. Only spend time with those that you are closest to, those you know and use your layers of protection when you are around others.”

New rules for restaurants limit the number of people per table to six, and Dr. Henry advises that people use that number as a limit when engaging in other activities as well, including visiting a beach or park, or even going to a friend’s house.

“Keep your groups small, that is what is going to prevent transmission to more of us in our communities,” said Dr. Henry.

Dr. Henry advises that if you are entering a small space, using public transit, or are otherwise unable to socially distance to wear a mask and practice appropriate hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding touching your face.

While people are encouraged to enjoy their summer, Dr. Henry requests that people do so safely, and not undo the work that has been done by British Columbians to flatten the curve.

“It needs to be a safe summer,” said Dr. Henry.

“Today we know that over 1000 people in every health authority across our province are self-isolating because they have been exposed to COVID-19. Some of those people will develop this virus and this illness in the coming weeks. And a good proportion of those people were exposed at parties and events that have happened over the last few weeks in the Central Okanagan, particularly in and around Kelowna.”

Because of the community outbreak in Kelowna, which has been responsible for more than 60 cases of COVID-19, Dr. Henry is introducing a new province-wide order.

“I will be introducing an order requiring those who rent properties, whether it’s boats, rooms, Airbnbs, houseboats or houses to limit the numbers of guests and visitors to those premises as part of those rental agreements.”

Dr. Henry also asked that people be responsible, and to ‘call out’ their friends if they wanted to go out or attend events while they were unwell or if they had possibly been exposed to COVID-19.