Private parties source of COVID-19 exposures linked to the city of Kelowna: Adrian Dix

British Columbia's health minister says several COVID-19 exposures linked to the city of Kelowna are believed to stem from private parties held by people in their 20s and 30s.

Adrian Dix says that the cases involved people from three different regions of BC and serve as a reminder of the risks posed by private gatherings.

Interior Health says eight positive tests for the virus are linked to visits to downtown Kelowna and the city's waterfront between June 25th and July 9th.

An advisory warns of possible exposures at a resort, bed and breakfast, restaurant and spin studio.

The cases follow the province's move to a new phase of reopening that allows for tourism, and Dix says it's up to tourism industry and guests to respect public health guidelines.

Dix also announced a plan to add 495 long-term care beds to the Interior region's 6-thousand beds.

He says the region is projecting an 28 per cent increase in its population of those over age 75 in the next five years.