7 day average increases, as B.C. records 78 new cases of COVID-19 but no additional deaths

B.C. health officials announced 78 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths on Wednesday as the seven day rolling average of new cases, now at 58, continues its slow upward creep.

In a written statement, the provincesaid there are currently 729active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C., the highest number of active cases in the last few weeks.

A total of 48people are in hospital with the disease, the lowest hospitalization countsince Sept. 10 of last year. Sixteen people are in intensive care, up from 11 a week ago.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are downby 26.2per cent from last Wednesday, when 65people were in hospital with the disease.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is currently 1,763lives lost out of 148,641confirmed cases to date.

Currently,there are two active outbreaks in the province, bothin Fraser Health. One is in acute care atLaurel Place at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the other is in long-term care at Holyrood Manor.

So far, 6,297,149doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 2,552,325second doses.

As of Wednesday, 80.1 per centof people aged 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of thevaccine and 55.6 per centhave received asecond dose.

Cases ticking up in B.C.

The seven day rolling average of new cases has been slowly increasing over the last couple of weeks and is up about 50 per cent from its low two weeks ago.

The provincial government warned cases could increase slightly when restrictions were first lifted at the beginning of the month, but that COVID-19 vaccines were offeringvery good protection against the worst health outcomes.

Anyone in B.C. who has not yet registered to be immunized is asked to do so now.

Registration can be doneonlinethrough the "Get Vaccinated" portal, by calling 1-833-838-2323, or in person at anyService B.C. location.

Wildfires in the province's Interior have forced the cancellations of COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Oliver and Osoyoos that were scheduled for July 20 and 21.

According to Interior Health,people with appointments are being notified of the cancellations and will be able to rebook.