A record 717 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed Tuesday by the province, including 16 within Island Health. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID-19 UPDATE

B.C. sets new record with over 700 new COVID-19 cases, 16 new within Island Health

Nov 17, 2020 | 3:13 PM

NANAIMO — Tougher restrictions in the Lower Mainland have yet to impact skyrocketing COVID-19 cases across B.C.

A record 717 new cases were confirmed by the province on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with 16 in the Island Health region. A total of 397 people within Island Health have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

The number of active cases in Island Health is currently 114, up from 99 on Monday. Two people remain in hospital in the health authority, one of whom is in ICU.

Across B.C., 6,589 cases are currently active, which is an increase of around 300 from Monday.

The number of hospitalizations continues to grow with 198 currently receiving care, 63 of whom are in intensive care. Eleven people also lost their lives to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, with now 310 people dying as a result of the virus across B.C.

rising costs

RDN taxpayers want relief as board grapples with budget

23m ago

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

13h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

16h ago

Island Health is also the site of the latest healthcare system outbreak. The Tsawaayuss-Rainbow Gardens long term care facility in Port Alberni was listed on Tuesday.

It’s the second outbreak in Island Health, adding to the Nanaimo General Regional Hospital outbreak announced on Remembrance Day,.

The vast majority of cases continue to come from the Vancouver Coast and Fraser Health authorities, which are nearing the end of restrictions levied upon them earlier this month by public health.

The restrictions were designed to limit community spread, particularly in home and indoor gatherings.

Public health is due to rescind or extend those restrictions on Nov. 23.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW