Its not quite a record, but B.C. health officials are reporting 223 new cases of COVID-19 heading into Election Day for a total of 12,554 cases in the province.

There were 18 new cases in the Interior Health Authority which has had 662 cases so far, of which 72 are active with two people in hospital, one in ICU. The outbreak at École de L’Anse-au-sable in Kelowna has grown by six to 11 cases, with about 160 people still isolating.

Active cases in the province have hit a new record at 2,009, with another 4,637 people being actively monitored after being exposed to someone with the virus.

There were no new deaths reported with the death toll from COVID-19 remaining at 265 people. Provincewide, there are 75 people in hospital, of which 24 are in ICU.

“In recent days, we have seen a number of new outbreaks of COVID-19 in the community and in long-term care facilities. Contact-tracing teams throughout our province are working around the clock to stop further spread, but it requires all of us to do our part to be successful in these efforts,” said a statement from health officials.

“This is our opportunity and the time to take a step back from our social interactions and keep our groups small this weekend. In doing this, we show our appreciation and support for the important work of contact tracers.”

Earlier in the day, the parent company of Shoppers Drug Mart – Loblaw’s – says a case of COVID-19 has been reported at its store in Valleyview.

“It is also the time to show kindness to those around us. None of us know the stories and experiences of those around us, so let’s make this weekend one of compassion and care for everyone,” added the statement.

In all, there are 10,247 people who tested positive for COVID-19 – about 81.6 per cent of the total – are considered to have recovered.