Face masks are again required for most indoor public settings, such as shopping malls. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CASE COUNTS

44 new COVID-19 cases from Island Health as mask mandate comes into effect

Aug 25, 2021 | 4:21 PM

NANAIMO — COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Vancouver Island.

Island Health reported 44 new cases on Wednesday, Aug. 25, in line with the health authority’s rolling seven day average.

It pushed the number of active cases to 397, including 159 in the central Island region. Areas south of the Malahat continue to account for the most COVID-19 cases, with 171 active while the remaining 67 stem from northern Vancouver Island and the central B.C. coast.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, 24 patients are currently hospitalized, half of which are in intensive care.

Public health reported 698 new cases across B.C. on Wednesday, which is just above the provincial rolling seven day average of 630.

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Active cases rose to 5,356 with 139 people in hospital and 75 people receiving intensive care.

The largest number of new and active cases continue to be located within Interior health.

Wednesday also marked the first day of B.C.’s renewed mask mandate for most indoor public areas.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said on Tuesday, Aug. 24, the mandate was a necessary step amid increased community transmission from the Delta variant.

“This is to address those situations where we are in indoor settings with people who may not yet have been vaccinated,” Dr. Henry said. “We need to continue to do those things that keep us safe and one of those is wearing masks in indoor settings as rates of transmission in our communities have crept upwards.”

The mandate will work in concert with the yet-to-be-launched BC vaccine passport program, which is projected to limit some activities for people without proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Since announcing the program on Monday, Aug. 23, the province said it’s received a significant increase in registrations and appointment bookings for vaccinations, particularly for first doses in those under 40.

“B.C. has enough vaccines for everyone who is eligible, and there are lots of opportunities to get your shot,” Dr. Penny Ballem, head of B.C.’s Immunization Program, said. “You can walk in, book an appointment or visit any of our pop-up clinics. Get vaccinated. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it helps your community.”

Over 11,000 people under the age of 40 have booked an appointment in the last two days, over double what was booked in the same period last week.

Nearly 17,000 people in all age groups made a vaccine appointment across B.C. on Monday and Tuesday.

Residents in Nanaimo can visit a clinic at Beban Park without an appointment to receive either a first or second dose. A clinic for Oceanside residents is available at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

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.

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