Hours after announcing B.C. is moving to Phase 3 of its restart plan, health officials say there are another 14 new cases of COVID-19 to report, for a total of 2,849 cases.

None of those new cases were in the Interior Health Authority which remains at 199 cases. There however was one new death to report, in the Vancouver Coastal Health area, bringing the province’s total to 171.

There are 162 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,516 people have recovered. Further, there are 14 people in hospital, seven in intensive care.

“We have worked hard to find the balance in British Columbia: to flatten our curve, keep new cases low and safely increase our social interactions by continuing to follow our core, foundational rules,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“We are in a unique and unusual time, and until we have an effective treatment or vaccine, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in our communities. We need to keep our actions going to minimize any cases.”

She is urging people to stay vigilant as they go about the summer months, noting that will be key to keeping the number of cases from spiking in the months ahead.

“No matter where we may be this summer, remember that COVID-19 is still with us,” Henry said. “So let’s make sure we travel respectfully, by using our travel manners, planning ahead, being prepared and maintaining safe social interactions.”

“For the visitors who come to our province from elsewhere in Canada, let’s show them how we are staying vigilant, being respectful of those around us and doing all we can protect our communities, our elders and our loved ones.”