Vancouver Island has continued on its streak of no new, active cases of COVID-19 in B.C. The Island remained at 127 total cases. (BC Government Flickr)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FLAT CURVE

Province clarifies amended order on public gatherings, Island COVID-19 numbers hold firm

May 23, 2020 | 1:28 PM

NANAIMO — Vancouver Island continues to shut out the COVID-19 outbreak.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed 127 cases in the Island Health region during her briefing from Victoria on Saturday, May 23.

The Island Health region has not had a new, active case of COVID-19 since May 8. On two occasions, the total number of cases went up since then, however both were a result of data corrections and not new patients.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, just one active case remains on Vancouver Island, with that patient currently hospitalized.

Overall, 10 new cases were confirmed in British Columbia for a total of 2,517. Approximately 82 per cent of all patients have recovered with only 303 active cases in the province.

shiny new toy

'This is a great day for Qualicum Beach:' New waterfront walkway/viewing platform opens

1h ago

calls to action

'Stronger together:' Sisters in Spirit Ceremony at VIU honours missing and murdered Indigenous women

5h ago

election forum

Nanaimo-Lantzville candidates turn up heat at forum with tight race expected

13h ago

Dr. Henry clarified her amended health order announced earlier this week. The amendment limited gatherings of 50 vehicles in addition to 50 people.

The change came as several drive-in movie events were being organized, including one hosted by the Nanaimo Clippers. The local event is still scheduled to proceed under the new restrictions.

“Even though 50 cars may seem like a small amount and it’s a less risky environment, we know if we get people together there would be several people in a vehicle, the chance of more contact and spread of this virus is very real,” Dr. Henry said.

She added restricting large gatherings has a two pronged benefit in the province’s fight against COVID-19.

“We need to remember and these outbreaks remind us that gatherings of any kind increase the risk of transmission,” Dr. Henry said. “Our public health surveillance needs to and will continue to quickly identify new cases and find those who they have been in contact with.”

Two deaths were also announced on Saturday, both in long term care facilities in the Fraser Valley. To date, 157 people have lost their lives to COVID-19 in B.C.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW