Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc now has reported 20 cases of COVID-19 on reserve, which is nearly double the amount of cases from before the weekend.

Acting chief Justin Gottfriedson says cases have grown from 12 to 20 in the past three days, and says other people are also self-isolating after being exposed to the virus.

Gottfriedson is filling in for chief Rosanne Casimir who, last week announced she tested positive for COVID-19.

“Exposures are happening at a rapid rate. Numbers are starting to double,” Gottfriedson said. “It is hard not to visit our family and friends. This is not our way. But it is time to stay vigilant. We cannot take our guard down which means no visiting your family outside your immediate household.”

Gottfriedson says there is still no definitive date for when COVID-19 vaccines will be available to band members. Until that time he says people need to continue to follow safety protocols like social distancing, wearing masks and staying home if sick.

NL News has reached out to Interior Health for more information about the cases on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.