Dr. Henry was pleased to announce no new deaths from COVID-19 in B.C. as of Thursday, March 26. (Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Covid-19

COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island surpass 50, nearly 200 recovered across B.C.

Mar 26, 2020 | 3:14 PM

NANAIMO — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island has exceeded 50.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced five new cases, bringing the total to 52.

There are now 725 cases across the province.

The number of people fully recovered has reached 186. Dr. Henry was pleased to announce there were no new deaths from the respiratory virus.

“Every day we stay home, that we do what we’ve been asked to do, that we stay apart but stay connected, brings us a day closer to being able to manage this response,” Dr. Henry said.

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“We can all make a difference but we need everyone to be 100 per cent committed to doing this.”

Nearly all of the 14 fatalities so far have involved the elderly.

Earlier on Thursday, B.C.’s seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie announced the service BC 211 is expanding across the province. It’s designed to help people get in touch with the valuable services available to help with social isolation and health concerns. It was previously only available in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

Anyone needing the service just has to dial 211.

The province also announced and clarified a series of orders designed to protect supply chains, ensure goods are available to everyone and chastise anyone hoarding goods for re-sell.

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