Dr. Bonnie Henry announcing the number of people who's recovered from COVID-19 has jumped dramatically in recent days. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID-19 update

Vancouver Island COVID-19 cases hit 44 as number of recovered cases jumps

Mar 24, 2020 | 3:14 PM

NANAIMO — The number of people on Vancouver Island who’ve contracted COVID-19 continues to steadily rise.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, in her daily press conference, said five new cases of the respiratory virus were discovered on Vancouver Island by Tuesday morning. This brings the total to 44 since the first case on the Island on March 11.

Across B.C., the number of confirmed cases has jumped dramatically to 617, up from 472 on Sunday.

No new deaths were recorded beyond the 13 reported by Dr. Henry on Monday morning.

She acknowledged a media report stating a north Vancouver dentist, who attended a large international dental conference in Vancouver in early March, passed away

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“There are now 32 people that we can link directly or indirectly to that conference. All of those people attending the conference were notified of a positive case who was there.”

Dr. Henry said two additional seniors care homes with confirmed COVID-19 cases is a concerning development.

In terms of good news, Dr. Henry said the number of people who have recovered has jumped to 173.

“That’s 23 per cent of our total cases. It shows us most people, particularly young, healthy people who have milder illness, can manage at home and are recovering from this.”

Dr. Henry said new testing and studies show those who recover from the illness are immune for several weeks, up to several months.

Up to 3,500 tests are done each day.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said there are now nearly 3,900 beds available in B.C.’s hospitals to accomodate an expected rise in COVID related illnesses.

“Our current occupancy is about 66 per cent, or two of three beds currently filled. That compares to what is ordinarily the case which is about 103.5 per cent,” Dix said.

A little over 55 per cent of acute care beds in the province’s hospitals are currently occupied, according to Dix.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, nearly everything is closed.

All schools and playgrounds are shuttered, recreation facilities are empty and outdoor spaces like dog parks are being closed.

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