For the first time in almost two weeks, the Island Health region has gone without an additional case of COVID-19. (BC Government)
NO NEW CASES

Island Health escapes new COVID-19 cases, 97 reported elsewhere in B.C.

Sep 15, 2020 | 3:35 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health achieved the rare feat of going 24 hours without a newly confirmed COVID-19 case.

The number of COVID-19 cases within Island Health remained steady for the first time since Sept. 3. The total number of cases remains steady at 195 since the start of the pandemic.

Ninety-seven cases were reported elsewhere in B.C. on Tuesday through a statement from the province. It’s just the third time since Sept. 3 the number of new, daily infections has been under 100.

A total of 1,590 cases are considered active province-wide, down by four from Monday’s total. Across B.C., 63 people are in hospital, 20 of whom are receiving intensive care.

Just over 3,000 people remain in isolation and under active daily monitoring from public health following contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

“We must hold steady with our layers of protection,” the statement read. “From keeping safe distances, to washing our hands, staying home, and staying away from others when we are ill and have symptoms of COVID-19, we must all do our part.”

The province said it is ramping up testing capacity with the goal of being able to perform 20,000 tests a day. Currently, around 5,000 to 7,000 tests are conducted daily in B.C.

Public health also continues to monitor the return of in-class schooling across the province. Contact tracing is being identified as a key measure to ensure early detection of the virus.

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