Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry relaying a story about an 80-year-old woman who passed away due to COVID-19. (Facebook/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

3 new COVID-19 cases again confirmed for Island Health

Oct 29, 2020 | 3:37 PM

NANAIMO — The Island Health region saw a repeat in the number of new cases.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed three new cases for Island Health on Thursday, Oct. 29. This is the same amount as the day before. The number of currently active cases rose by one in the region, with four in central and southern Vancouver Island and two in the north.

There’s been 256 total COVID-19 cases within the health authority since the beginning of the pandemic. No one is currently in hospital for COVID-19 within Island Health.

Dr. Henry announced 234 new cases across the province on Thursday and one new fatality in the Fraser Health region.

She said the tragic passing shows how dangerous it can be to lower your guard about the virus.

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“This was a person in their 80’s who attended a small birthday party. Less than 10 people were at this home and unfortunately someone unknowingly brought COVID-19,” Dr. Henry said.

“The majority of people who were in that home became infected with COVID-19 and this person unfortunately ended up in hospital and dying.”

Slightly more than 260 people have passed away due to COVID-19 in B.C.

Thursday’s announcement brings the total number of cases in B.C. to 14,109, primarily in the Lower Mainland.

There’s 2,322 active cases and 5,714 people under active health monitoring after coming in contact with confirmed cases.

Health minister Adrian Dix, stepping behind the microphone at the press conference for the first time since the provincial election was called, said the province is working to increase the number of contract tracing staff.

More than 520 contract tracers were hired so far, with another 300 being hired.

Dix said there’s 47 contact tracing staff within Island Health.

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