The BC Centre for Disease Control reports that the number of new COVID-19 cases increased in the province this week compared to last week.
According to the British Columbia Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report for Sept. 18 to 24, the province has confirmed 880 new cases this week. Last week, there were 833.
While more cases were reported this week, the number of active cases has decreased from 1,705 last week to 1,371.
The most likely source of infection remains contact with a local case or cluster, with a large proportion of recent cases still pending exposure information. However, the median age of cases has decreased since the beginning of the pandemic - down from 55 years to 38 years.
The number of new hospital admissions has stabilized in recent weeks, as well as the number of cases currently in critical care.
In July, the BCCDC reported weeks where people in their twenties had the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in the province.
Scientists said that the change in demographics could be attributed to lockdown fatigue, increased testing or feelings of invincibility.
A clinical professor at the University of B.C.'s school of population and public health said the increase could be attributed to the summer season and fewer employment opportunities during the pandemic, which meant more time for young people to spend with friends.
Stephen Hoption Cann said when they get together in larger groups, young people can potentially spread the virus because they may not show symptoms or have a mild infection.
- With files from the Canadian Press.
