The number of COVID-19 cases is steadily increasing in B.C. but provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry expressed cautious optimism about the state of the pandemic. (BC CDC)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

steady increases

5 new COVID-19 cases confirmed for Vancouver Island

Mar 27, 2020 | 4:23 PM

NANAIMO — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island has once again risen by five.

The new cases announced Friday afternoon brings the total to 57 on the Island. This is the second day in a row cases have risen by five and the third time in a week.

There are 792 cases across the province with two additional deaths. Sixteen people have passed away in B.C. because of the crisis.

The number of confirmed cases which now test negative jumped substantially, up to 275 patients.

Earlier on Friday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry showed projections of the pandemic in B.C.

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It showed efforts to “flatten the curve” and reduce the rate of infection by social distancing is having an effect.

The average daily increase of new cases has dropped by half to 12 per cent.

Despite the good news, Dr. Henry cautioned it doesn’t mean the crisis is over, only that people staying home is an effective tool against the virus.

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