Photo: Contributed

Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 community cluster in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region on Wednesday night.

Since Jan. 1, a total of 215 people tested positive for coronavirus in the region — 74 reside in nearby First Nations communities and 158 are currently active.

“As we have seen in recent years, this community has a history of coming together during challenging times in the face of adversity. Now is no different: we must stay focused and reduce the spread of this virus together by strictly following public health orders and direction,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health.

“I want to thank local First Nation chiefs, our healthcare staff and physicians, and community leaders for their dedication and hard work as we respond together to this increase in COVID-19 activity in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.”

Most of the virus transmissions occurred at recent social events and gatherings in Williams Lake.

That is why the health authority is reminding residents to only socialize with their immediate household bubbles and not to invite friends or extended family to their homes for any type of gatherings.

Regular updates on the Cariboo-Chilcotin community cluster will be available on Tuesdays and Fridays.