Dr. Bonnie Henry says better days are ahead but it doesn't mean caution should be thrown to the wind. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Dr. Henry preaches caution despite dropping COVID cases

May 31, 2021 | 4:21 PM

NANAIMO — While the number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. and Island Health continues to fall, the ongoing pandemic is far from over.

“It is with very mixed emotions I stand here today,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said at her Monday, May 31 COVID-19 press conference.

“We are in the middle of step one (of our re-open plan). Part of me of course is pleased we’re making progress. We’ve seen a dramatic decline in cases and great progress in our immunization program. But we need to continue to watch closely. Active outbreaks and new cases make me concerned.”

Dr. Henry announced 708 new COVID-19 cases over the three day weekend reporting period, more than 250 less from the prior weekend. There are currently 2,953 active cases with 248 people in hospital of which 78 are receiving critical care.

A further 11 people passed away for a total of 1,703 people to lose their lives in the province for COVID related ailments.

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Island Health confirmed 18 new cases were found over the weekend, which is in line with downward trends throughout the health authority.

South Vancouver Island saw the most cases with 10, followed by central Vancouver Island with eight. There were no new cases found in north Vancouver Island.

Central Vancouver Island currently has 29 active cases.

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.

“New strains are circulating and outbreaks are still occurring in schools, hospitals, long-term care and our communities,” Dr. Henry said.

“We are in the midst of the post-long weekend incubation period, which means anyone who may have contracted the virus at that period of time will start to see symptoms now. It’s important if you have any symptoms to get tested right away.”

More than three million doses of vaccine have been administered in B.C. so far, equalling roughly 70 per cent of eligible residents having their first dose. This is the threshold needed to hit step three of B.C.’s restart plan, which will commence on July 1 at the earliest.

Dr. Henry said information about second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be released at the next media briefing on Thursday.

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