B.C. health officials are reporting 62 new COVID-19 cases today, including two epi-linked cases for a provincial total of 5,304 in the province.

Four of the new cases were in the Interior Health Authority, which has now seen 429 cases. Active cases were down province-wide to 896 – 20 in the Interior – while there are now 21 people in hospital, seven in intensive care.

No new deaths were reported and the death toll remains at 203 people. There are also 2,730 people who are now being monitored as a result of an exposure to a known case.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say its understandable that people may be concerned about the well-being of the families as the return to school draws nearer.

“School will be new for everyone this year – just as how we spend time with friends and how we operate our businesses has required a different way of doing things than we have ever done before,” said a statement. “With COVID-19 in our communities for many months to come, new routines will be needed that can sustain families for the entire school year.”

“This has not been an easy task. We commend the many people who have put the time and effort into ensuring the best approach possible for our students, teachers and staff.”

There are now five active cases linked to the Kelowna outbreak, which has now see 171 cases in total. The outbreak at the Okanagan Correctional Centre remains at seven staff members, of which four are active.

There are now 4,199 people who are considered to have recovered from the virus.