One day after reporting a record 139 COVID-19 cases, B.C. health officials are reporting 132 new cases of the virus for a total of 6,962 cases in the province.

Three of the new cases were in the Interior Health Authority which has now reported 465 cases of the virus. Earlier today, Interior Health warned of a possible COVID-19 exposure at a private party at Hotel Zed in Kelowna.

Active cases were up to a record 1,461, with 3,198 people now being actively monitored as a result of an identified exposure to a known case.

There are now 49 people in hospital, an increase of seven since yesterday, of which ten in intensive care, down from 14 yesterday. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says the increase in hospital numbers is a little worrying.

“We know COVID-19 has not been without challenge and loss. But we are working each day to find the balance of keeping new cases low and slow to protect those who are most vulnerable, while keeping our communities going,” said a statement from the Ministry.

“There are thousands upon thousands of people across British Columbia who are doing their part to protect our province. We thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do.”

There were no new deaths reported today and the death toll remains at 213 people. There was however an outbreak at the Evergreen Hamlets long-term care facility in Surrey, for a total of 14 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and three acute-care facilities with active outbreaks.

The number of cases considered to have recovered is now 5,273 – about 76 per cent of the total.