Dr. Bonnie Henry, who said re-opening B.C. doesn't mean returning to normal. (flckr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

B.C. grapples with large back-to-back increases in COVID-19 cases

Jul 9, 2020 | 3:29 PM

NANAIMO — Health officials announced another sizable day of new COVID-19 increases across B.C.

Thursday’s announcement of 20 new cases, atop the 18 announced on Wednesday, July 8, makes for the largest two day increase in recent months.

This comes on the heels of several weeks of low numbers at the end of June and early July.

The number of active cases across the province jumped by roughly 10 to 175.

There were no additional cases confirmed for Vancouver Island, leaving the total at 133 with two active cases.

Island Intensity

Clippers lose hard fought battle 3-2 to Grizzlies

5h ago

road works

BC Conservatives promise 'grade separation' for 'dangerous and congested' Nanaimo Parkway

10h ago

nan-gab

Nanaimo-Gabriola Island candidates discuss top-of-mind issues for voters

14h ago

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says we will see higher numbers as the province re-opens.

“I know some people may be thinking this is all over and they can relax and go back to normal. But until effective treatment or a vaccine is available, we know this virus is going to circulate in our communities. It’s all of us who need to work together to minimize that impact so we can continue to open up activities.”

Dr. Henry pointed to the situation in the United States where containing COVID-19 can quickly spiral out of control.

Starting Thursday, the number of people from outside Canada who contracted COVID-19 is being announced.

Dr. Henry said 51 people from outside Canada became ill with COVID-19 and were tested since the beginning of the pandemic.

It’s unknown how many of the 51 people were on Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @nanaimonewsnow