The latest figures for the BC Interior show substantial increases in positive COVID-19 test results.
Some parts of the region – including the Central Okanagan and Castlegar – reported close to triple the number of cases compared with the previous week.
The new data cover July 18–24.
Highlights include:
Central Okanagan: 153 cases (up from 53)
Castlegar: 29 cases (up from 9)
Kamloops: 29 cases (up from 11)
Vernon: 21 cases (up from 11)
Penticton: 2 cases (up from 0)
Nelson: 13 cases (up from 10)
The case numbers remain considerably lower than earlier in the year, with many areas – including Merritt, Enderby, Princeton and Creston – showing no cases at all.
But the Central Okanagan’s surge in cases has proved sufficient to prompt Interior Health to act by reinstating certain restrictions.
Castlegar, however, is the worst-hit part of the Interior in the latest data.
It has by far the worst average daily new case rate in the province – 24 per 100,000 people.
The Central Okanagan’s is 15, according to the latest data.
Kootenay Lake’s average is 15 and Vernon’s six.
On a more local level, Downtown Kelowna (22) and Glenmore (21) have the highest averages in the Okanagan.
For second doses among over 18s, the Central Okanagan’s rate is 59% – one of the lowest in Southern BC.
Kamloops is at 65% and Vernon at 61%.
The full data can be accessed here.
