Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says B.C. is on the right trend when it comes to new COVID-19 cases. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

20 new cases in Island Health as COVID-19 patients in ICU drop across B.C.

Feb 17, 2021 | 4:07 PM

NANAIMO — The number of people receiving intensive care in B.C. hospitals for COVID-19 has decreased dramatically.

The caseload fell by 11 to 63 on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The number of people in hospital or considered an active case remains fairly unchanged.

Three more people passed away due to the virus.

Across B.C., 427 new cases were reported, which is inline with recent downward trends.

Within Island Health, a further 20 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. The central Vancouver Island area continues to lead the health authority in cases, with 98 out of 148 active cases.

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This is down significant from the high seen at the end of January and the fall of 2020.

One of the three fatalities confirmed on Wednesday was within Island Health, where 23 people have lost their lives to the virus.

There is a data discrepancy between Island Health and the province, based on the timing of COVID-19 results. NanaimoNewsNOW reports local verified data from Island Health.

Two long term care facilities in Nanaimo are home to COVID-19 outbreaks.

There’s currently four schools included on Island Health’s COVID-19 exposure page.

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