Upward trend continues as B.C. records 464 new cases of COVID-19 but no additional deaths

B.C. health officials announced 464 new cases of COVID-19 onFriday, bringing the seven-day rolling average of new cases to its highest since the end of May.

The statement from the province said thereare currently 2,411active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.the highest countsince June 4.

The case breakdown by region is as follows:

• 275 new cases in Interior Health, which has 1,356active cases.
• 72new cases in Fraser Health, which has 486active cases.
• 60 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, which has 324active cases.
• 27 new cases in Island Health, which has 145active cases.
• 29 new cases in Northern Health, which has 88active cases.
• 1 new cases among people who reside outside of Canada, a group that has 12active cases.

There are sixactive outbreaks in long-term care homes in the province. Fourare in the Interior Health region, oneisin Fraser Health and one is in Island Health.

A total of 52people are in hospital. Of those, 24arein intensive careup from 16a week ago.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said during an earlier news conference Friday that all of the patients in intensive care are unvaccinated.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are upfrom last weekwhen 47people were in hospital with the disease.

There were no additionaldeaths in the past 24 hours. Theprovincialdeath toll from COVID-19 remains at1,772.

As of Friday, 81.8per cent of those 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of aCOVID-19 vaccine. Just under 69 per centhave received asecond dose.

New restrictions coming for the Interior

More health restrictions are coming into effect for B.C.'s Central Okanagan to manage an ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, officials announced Friday.

There will be limits on the number of people allowed to gather together, both indoors and outdoors, as of Monday. Nightclubs and bars will be closed as of Friday, while liquor service at restaurants will end at 10 p.m. PT.

Tourists are asked not totravel to the Central Okanagan, officials said. Anyone who is not vaccinated, in particular, should avoid the area.

Vaccinations available

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer,said95 per centof people who have COVID-19 right now in B.C. have not been vaccinated or have received only one dose.

The province reached the7,000,000-dose benchmark on Friday, according to Dix.

British Columbians aged 12 and over who have not yet been immunized can register in three ways:

• Online through theGet Vaccinated portal.
• By calling 1-833-838-2323. Translators are available in 140 languages.
• In person at anyService B.C. location.