The Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality says it has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

In a release from the municipality it says “we must inform all residents and employees of its first confirmed individual case of COVID-19.”

The person is in self-isolation and was confirmed positive, according to the release.

“Sun Peaks also has presumptive cases of those exhibiting symptoms and more than likely, we also have others who have the COVID-19 virus who are only mildly sick,” it noted.

Village staff are asking residents to take the necessary precautions and to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

“Please take this seriously… This virus can spread easily through close contact before symptoms are evident,” said Mayor Al Raine. “Therefore, these rules are mandatory for everyone to follow even if you feel entirely well.”

Seasonal employees who are heading home after the resort closed on Wendesday are also being warned to be careful of who they come in close contact with and to not risk anyone’s health.

“You have a responsibility not to transmit this virus.”

“Medical practitioners in Sun Peaks have been shocked at the number of people still gathering in social situations, including seniors who are the most likely to die from this virus,” the release says.

It asks for that behavior to stop immediately.

Earlier today, health officials reported eight new COVID-19 cases in the Interior Health Authority, bringing the total across the region now to 27. The locations of most cases are unclear, but cases have now been publicly confirmed in Sun Peaks and Revelstoke.

Province-wide, there have now been 424 cases of the virus reported, including 76 since yesterday. There have been 10 deaths across B.C. as well, nine of which are connected to the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver.