10 additional cases of COVID-19 were added to Island Health's tally on Thursday as B.C. prepares for vaccine roll-out in early 2021. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID CASES

Province prepares for COVID-19 vaccine delivery; 10 new Island Health cases

Dec 3, 2020 | 3:25 PM

NANAIMO — Another day of lower than average case counts for Island Health in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed 10 new cases within the Island Health authority on Thursday, Dec. 3. It brings the total number of cases since the start of the year to 669.

This is the second time in three days Island Health saw 10 new COVID-19 cases, with a spike of 20 reported yesterday.

Across B.C., 9,103 cases are currently active in all sections of the province including 325 people hospitalized, 80 of whom are receiving intensive care. Within Island Health, 277 cases are active with 12 people in hospital including four in critical care.

The province reported 12 additional people passed away as a result of the virus, marking the 10th straight update with double-digit fatalities. A total of 481 people in B.C., mainly seniors, have lost their lives to COVID-19.

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Dr. Henry addressed growing optimism on vaccine approval in countries around the world and distribution through Canada in early 2021.

She said as vaccines become available, the first doses will go to those most at risk from severe illness and death and those in the healthcare system.

“We know we will have limited amounts at first so we won’t be able to broadly achieve what we’ve been calling community immunity, or herd immunity, right off the bat but that will come.”

The province recently amended a health order to effectively shutter adult sports in the province.

The move comes after community transmission through rec league sports, including a hockey team from the Interior travelling to and from Alberta where they spread the virus to dozens more in their communities.

“What we have seen is that when people come together, this virus can spread, now more than ever particularly as we go through winter in the province.”

More specific news on vaccine distribution is expected to come from public health next week.

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