Struggling with a record and rising number of COVID-19 cases, Nelson's mayor worries the Kootenays will follow the Central Okanagan as a centre of B.C. Dooley worries lives — and livelihoods — are at stake if surging infection rates in the region don't subside. "We have seen a significant increase in the number of cases and the rate of COVID-19 infections in the Nelson area." A total of 187 cases have been reported in the area since July 1, when restrictions were lifted. It is the highest case count, and COVID infection rate since the pandemic began.

Source: CBC News August 13, 2021 22:38 UTC