Two positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on the Upper Nicola Band near Merritt.

In a letter on facebook, Chief Harvey McLeod and Collette Sunday, the Director of the Band’s Emergency Operations Centre, say the First Nations Health Authority told them about the cases yesterday, Jan. 14.

Interior Health will be conducting the contact tracing process to identify people who may need to self isolate.

“Person(s) testing positive can request that their names be kept confidential,” the letter said. “It is everyone’s right to have their medical information kept confidential.”

“Please stay at home as often as possible. Wear a mask, and social distance yourself. During these trying times, it is important for us to stay kind to one another and help each other out if possible.”

There has been a steady rise in COVID-19 cases in Interior Health – including a record one-day high 115 cases reported yesterday – something that Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry focused on in her briefing.

She says the increased spread is linked to smaller gatherings, which has led to transmission of the virus in communities.

People who need support are being asked to call the band office at 250-350-3342.