Interior Health alerts residents COVID surge 'becoming a concern'

British Columbia's Interior Health authority has issued a COVID-19 alert to its residents as cases rise in the region.

The authority says in a statement that it's concerned by the upward trend and frequency of new local clusters.

The provincial health officer's order limiting social interactions don't apply to Interior Health, but it says in a statement that it needs the public's help to prevent further restrictions.

It is asking people to avoid non-essential travel, including unnecessary visits to the Lower Mainland or other jurisdictions with surging COVID-19 cases.

B.C.'s provincial court has also issued its latest health measure saying the provincial public health office has advised that courts are exempt from the recommendation that masks be worn in all public places.

However, the court says in a statement that all three B.C. courts have issued a joint recommendation that strongly encourages the wearing of face masks in courthouses.