Dr. Henry updates Okanagan COVID-19 case totals, provides modelling forecast

The Okanagan has had a total of 99 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began, but just two cases in the last two weeks.

The figures were part of Dr. Bonnie Henry’s update on modelling which forecasts a slight increase in new cases this month and the possibility of continued growth in new cases over the summer.

Henry said the vast majority of the recent new cases have been in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions.

Henry emphasized strong contact tracing will provide a buffer to prevent further spread of the virus once restrictions are relaxed, along with the ongoing advice for people to stay home if they feel sick.

“That is what will help us manage this pandemic as we open up our societal, business, and family connections,” the provincial health officer said.

B.C. is reporting 13 new cases since Monday including one new case in Interior Health (199 total).

There are no new health care or community outbreaks, with seven active outbreaks.

The number of active cases is 174, with 16 in hospital and seven in critical or intensive care.

There is one new death, raising the B.C. total to 170.

The number of fully recovered is 2,491.

Tuesday’s event was the 100th media briefing by Dr. Henry and Health Minster Adrian Dix since the pandemic began.

Click here for the latest modelling diagrams.