Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 110 new cases of COVID-19, sending B.C. past 10,000 total cases since the pandemic began. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MILESTONE

One new case in Island Health as total B.C. cases cross 10,000 threshold

Oct 8, 2020 | 3:26 PM

NANAIMO — British Columbia has crossed a major milestone in the battle against COVID-19.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed the province has had over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, with 1,394 currently considered active.

“It is a reminder that we know what we need to do and we need to continue to do it,” Dr. Henry said. “To slow down, to think about what we’re doing, to make those smart choices everyday.”

One new case of the 110 announced by Dr. Henry on Thursday was in the Island Health region. It brings the total number of cases to 223 with 13 considered active including five in the central Island region.

Throughout B.C., 76 people are in hospital with COVID-19 symptoms with 17 of those receiving critical or intensive care. No active cases in the Island Health region are in hospital.

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Just over 88 per cent of the 10,066 cases reported in B.C. as of Thursday have been in the Vancouver Coastal Health (3,693) and Fraser Health (5,174) regions.

Other health authorities have reported less than 600 cases each with Island Health recording the fewest number out of all B.C. health authorities.

During Thursday’s briefing, Dr. Henry commented on the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend, traditionally one where family from different areas gather.

She said it’s important this year to connect in a way which minimizes risk.

“Support your family by keeping your celebration dinner small. Support your friends and neighbours by always giving them the space to stay safe. Support our public health teams by paying attention to how you’re feeling and always stay home if you’re feeling ill.”

Several area pharmacies are beginning to offer flu shot appointments ahead of the annual cold and flu season.

Dr. Henry confirmed British Columbia had ordered extra doses of the flu shot after seeing demand spike in the southern hemisphere during their flu season beginning in April and May.

“We have had no delays in the manufacturing of vaccines…some of it has started to arrive already, most of it will come in the coming two weeks. The ideal time to be immunized…is in the end of October into early November.”

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