The number of active COVID-19 cases in B.C. is falling sharply, down by more than 1,000 in one week. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

‘It’s making a difference:’ vaccinations paying off in B.C.

May 13, 2021 | 4:35 PM

NANAIMO — New data shows how effectively vaccines have forced B.C.’s COVID-19 curve downward.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in a media briefing on Thursday, May 13 said 120 people who received their second dose between Dec. 27 and May 1 contracted the virus, out of nearly 80,000 cases.

“It’s making a difference at a healthcare facility level, at a community level, at a population level. But we need to keep it up,” Dr. Henry said of the province’s vaccination program.

There were 1,340 infections reported at least three weeks after their first dose during the four month period.

“One dose doesn’t give you or those around you complete protection. Especially when we continue to have high rates of circulation the virus in our communities,” Dr. Henry said.

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Island Health on Thursday saw 20 new COVID-19 cases as the number of active cases rose slightly to 153. The number of active cases in the central Island region rose to 57, up from 50.

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.

B.C. saw 587 new cases and one new virus-related fatality for a provincial total of 1,632.

Active cases dropped sharply by 268 to 5,619, down more than 1,000 in one week. The number of hospitalizations and critical care patients were stable at 413 and 141 respectably.

Dr. Henry said information will be revealed early next week on the plan to vaccinate 12 to 17-year-old.

She said remaining AstraZeneca supply will be saved for second shot boosters.

“It’s my expectation that people who have received AstraZeneca so far will have a choice once we know more about taking Pfizer or Moderna as a second dose.”

A second case of somebody developing a rare blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca shot was confirmed in B.C.

Dr. Henry said the patient is a man in his 40’s in the Fraser Health Region who’s in hospital in stable condition.

The province’s recently accelerated mass vaccination program will see people 25-years-old and up able to book their first appointment on Friday.

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