Photo: Contributed

An additional 46 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the Williams Lake area, according to Interior Health.

The cases are linked to a community cluster that was first declared on Jan. 20.

In a press release, Interior Health said most of the transmission occurred at recent social events. They issued a reminder that socialization must be restricted to those in immediate household bubbles, and no friends or extended family should be invited over for gatherings.

Interior Health said 150 cases are currently active in the Cariboo Chilcotin region, with 314 people in the area testing positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of January.

The health authority also reported the current outbreak at Cariboo Memorial Hospital is only affecting 13 staff members, and no patients have tested positive.

They are reminding the public that it is safe to go to the hospital for appointments or emergency visits, and those with scheduled procedures should continue to attend.

No self-isolation measures are required after visiting the hospital.