B.C. health officials have announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 today – including three epi-linked cases – bringing the provincial total to 3,934.

It is the second time the province has reported over 50 cases in a week, after 50 cases were reported last Friday, ahead of the BC Day long weekend. Since then, the province reported 293 cases of the virus, most of which were in the Lower Mainland.

Four of Friday’s new cases on Friday were in the Interior Health Authority for a total of 389 cases since the pandemic began.

Active cases were up to 386, but there have been no new deaths since July 31 as the death toll remains at 195 people. Four people are in ICU, one fewer than yesterday, however hospitalization numbers are the same at 11 people.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry said yesterday, there were over 1,500 people self-isolating across B.C. because they were in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

“We have to keep our firewall strong. Like a wildfire, COVID-19 has the potential to rapidly burn out of control and we need to put out these flare-ups,” added the statement.

Fraser Health also reported another healthcare outbreak at Derby Manor in Burnaby, meaning there are now active outbreaks at five long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facility.

Heading into the weekend, health officials are reminding people to be vigilant as the number of new cases is on the rise.

“We can make a difference and we know what we need to do, because we have done so already,” the statement said. “We are calling on everyone to make COVID-19 safety our way of life – this weekend and every weekend.”

“Now is not the time to relax and let down our guard. Let’s keep our bubbles small, use our layers of protection and give people the space to stay safe.”

Officials note 3,353 people – roughly 85 per cent – have recovered from the virus.