B.C. health officials are reporting 97 cases of COVID-19 today, one of which was epi-linked case for a total of 7,376 cases in the province.

There were six cases in the Interior Health Authority which has now reported 479 cases of the virus.

Active cases are down slightly to 1,590, with 63 people in hospital, of which 20 are in intensive care. There are also 3,001 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.

“There is much that we know about COVID-19 and much that we continue to learn each day. What we do know is that now is the time for all of us to take a step back so we can move forward safely,” said a statement from the Ministry of Health.

“As teachers and youth get back to the classroom, public health teams have been there and are working closely with schools to manage and contact trace any time a COVID-19 case arises. This is time to get ready for the fall and winter seasons, to set the routines that ensure we stick with six people and avoid activities that will put ourselves and those we care for at risk.”

There are now 19 active cases in the Interior, with one person in hospital, according to data from Interior Health.

There were no new deaths reported today, and the death toll remains at 219 people. There are now 5,548 people who tested positive for COVID-19 who are now considered to have recovered.