By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

NEW YEAR UPDATE

64 new cases found in Island Health over New Years period, vaccination efforts ramp up

Jan 4, 2021 | 3:36 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health added a significant number of new COVID-19 cases as 2020 transitioned to 2021, but maintained its status as the province’s least affected health authority.

A total of 64 new cases were confirmed in the health authority through four reporting periods spanning Dec. 31 to Jan. 4. The additions were part of 2,211 cases in B.C.

According to Island Health, 992 cases have been confirmed in the region throughout the pandemic.

Throughout B.C., 6,823 cases remain active in all health authorities including 117 in Island Health. Thirty-four of the cases are in the central Island region, with 56 to the south and 27 to the north.

The number of active cases continues to trend down, lowering by almost 100 since Dec. 31. Just over 350 people are in hospital across B.C., with 76 people receiving critical care.

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There were 45 more fatalities recorded with 946 people having lost their lives due to the virus.

Increases in the Island Health authority are being driven in part due to an outbreak at Malaspina Care Residence and a developing cluster in Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided extensive detail on the province’s vaccine rollout program during her briefing on Monday, Jan. 4.

To date, 54,625 doses of the approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were received in B.C. Approximately 44 per cent of doses are already administered.

Further shipments of both vaccines continues to come, including another 3,900 doses earmarked for the Island Health authority in the first full week of January.

The province is expecting to vaccinate around 150,000 people by the end of February, with a focus on residents and staff in long term and assisted care, hospital workers and remote First Nations communities.

By the end of March, public health is targeting 400,000 receiving at least their first of two doses of an approved vaccine.

Priority will be given to seniors over the age of 80, those in homeless or group homes, those in correctional facilities and First Nations communities.

Follow up rounds of vaccination will focus on age cohorts descending in five year increments.

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