B.C. recorded 617 new cases of COVID-19, the highest daily increase since early January. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Island Health escapes brunt of COVID-19 case spike across B.C.

Feb 18, 2021 | 4:10 PM

NANAIMO — British Columbia recorded its highest daily COVId-19 case increase in over one month while Island Health remained in line with recent averages.

The province reported 617 new cases across B.C. on Thursday, Feb. 18, the largest increase since Jan. 8. Island Health confirmed 20 new cases including 11 in the central Island region.

The number of active cases in the health authority rose marginally to 153 including 97 within the central Vancouver Island region.

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.

Across B.C., 4,348 cases are currently active which represents an increase of nearly 200 from the day prior. The number of people in hospital again dropped, now at 224 including 60 people in intensive care.

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A further 7,440 people remain under daily active monitoring by public health.

An additional four people lost their lives as a result of COVID-19.

The province continues to monitor an uptick in cases in the Lower Mainland and northern B.C., however noted earlier this week case counts were being managed well in Island Health.

“We remind everyone about the importance of using all of our layers of protection: maintaining a safe distance from others, washing our hands regularly, staying home when we are ill, using a mask in all public spaces and having robust COVID-19 safety plans in all businesses.”

With more doses of vaccine arriving in B.C. after a temporary delay, 180,691 doses were administered including 29,952 second doses.

Snuneymuxw First Nation completed its vaccination clinic on Thursday, offering nearly 500 doses of the vaccine to its members after an outbreak began in late December.

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