B.C. had 62 new cases of COVID-19 since the last update on Friday, according to a joint statement issued by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix on Monday afternoon.
The Northern Health region continued to have no active cases of the disease. The last new case in the north was reported on June 8. The total number of cases in B.C. since the start of the pandemic increased to 3,115, while the number in the north remained at 65.
"There are 208 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,718 people who tested positive have recovered," the joint statement said. "Of the total COVID-19 cases, 14 individuals are hospitalized, five of whom are in intensive care. There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 189 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Public health were monitoring a pair of exposure events in the B.C. interior, the statement said.
"Interior Health has issued an isolation order for Krazy Cherry Fruit Co. in Oliver due to two positive COVID-19 cases associated with this farm. Public health teams are monitoring the situation closely and have placed restrictions on those living and working on the farm to limit the potential for further transmission," the report said. "Interior Health has also issued alerts for community exposure events in the Kelowna downtown and waterfront area between June 25 and July 9."
Anyone who was at the Discovery Bay Resort from July 1 to July 5, and Boyce Gyro Beach Lodge on July 1 is being ordered to self-isolate, the statement said. In addition, anyone who was at the Cactus Club on Water Street in Kelowna from July 3 to July 6 or at Pace Spin Studio on July 2, 4, 5, 7 or 9 is being advised to self-monitor and get tested if symptoms develop.
"Now is the time to pay attention to how we are feeling and what we are doing, to keep ourselves and those around us safe," the statement said. "We must not lose sight of the fact that COVID-19 symptoms can be mild, making it very easy to spread the virus to those around us. That is why our foundational rules for safe social interactions are so important."
While provincial health orders limit gathering sizes to 50, smaller private parties – especially those indoors – still pose a risk of transmitting the virus to a large number of people.
"Spending an extended period of time, even an evening together with a large number of people in an enclosed space, increases the likelihood that you will be exposed to someone with COVID-19," the statement said. "As much as possible, British Columbians are asked to avoid closed spaces, crowds and close contact with others. As COVID-19 remains in our communities, the actions you take every day make a difference and will help to protect all of us."