B.C.'s Fraser Valley is the newest site of a COVID-19 outbreak, 15 cases linked

A berry packing plant in British Columbia's Fraser Valley is the newest site of a COVID-19 outbreak, where 15 cases have been linked.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says health authorities started the investigation Thursday and they're tracking down other potential contacts.

She says 1,010 people have so far been told they must self-isolate because they've been exposed to others who have tested positive for the illness around the province.

Changes to the rules around gatherings will limit the number of people in short-term vacation rentals, including hotel rooms and houseboats, to the capacity of the unit plus five visitors.

There were 81 new cases over three days for a total of 3,500 people who have tested positive in the province, while 3,043 people have recovered. Two more people have died, both from long term care homes, bringing the total number of fatalities to 193 people.

Dr. Henry says the COVID-19 outbreak on Haida Gwaii has grown to 14 people and public health staff are working to ensure the community has the health resources it needs.