Photo: BC Centre for Disease Control

Interior Health announced nine new COVID-19 cases in the region Friday.

The new cases bring the health authority’s total to 369 since the start of the pandemic. 

“Within IH residents, there are 137 cases linked to Kelowna since June 26th — this is an increase in these linked cases from yesterday of seven, which reflects additional information received while investigations are ongoing,” Interior Health said in a statement Friday afternoon. 

About 60 per cent of the Kelowna-linked cases have now recovered. IH said it does not have more detailed data for specific active or recovered cases for Kelowna, “as these cases are fluid.”

Nobody is hospitalized with COVID-19 in the IH region. There are no new cases within healthcare workers at Kelowna General Hospital, where eight employees have tested positive to date.

“July long weekend was a reminder that COVID-19 is still in our communities and can spread quickly if we are not respecting public health guidance, especially around gatherings,” said IH medical health officer Dr. Silvina Mema.

 “The increases in Kelowna started with a relatively small number of positive cases. 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 urged people to avoid large gatherings, especially indoors, over the weekend.

“By following public health guidance for gatherings, practices social distancing and the other recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, then we can have a safe August in Interior Health. We all need to work together to make that possible – starting this long weekend and in the weeks ahead,” Mema added.

The BC Government will release provincial virus numbers later this afternoon.