Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced fatalities were once again in the double digits for the ninth day in a row. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Island Health COVID-19 cases fluctuate back to near record high

Dec 2, 2020 | 3:25 PM

NANAIMO — A down turn in new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday isn’t the beginning of a trend.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 20 new cases on Wednesday, Dec. 2, compared to the 10 the day before which had been the lowest in weeks.

The 20 new cases is in line with the high number of new cases seen throughout November. The record for new cases occurred on Nov. 27 with 27 new cases.

A history of COVID-19 cases within Island Health showing the dramatic increase in November.

There’s currently 267 active cases within Island Health, according to the BC CDC. Roughly two thirds of all Island Health cases remain in the central Vancouver Island area.

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There is a slight discrepancy between the BC CDC and the Island Health dashboard regarding active cases, a difference of three.

The number of hospitalizations within Island Health doubled to 14, with five people receiving intensive care.

Dr. Henry said restrictions on essential travel to and from Island Health, with BC Ferries crews checking cars and travellers, aren’t on the horizon.

“It’s very much a challenge for workers at BC Ferries to take on that role and I don’t believe it’s their responsibility to,” she told reporters. “I think it is all our responsibility to each other about whether what we’re doing is for our own needs and recreation or whether we can postpone this travel.”

Dr. Henry announced 834 new COVID-19 cases across B.C.

Nearly 340 people are in hospital with 79 in ICU.

The number of new fatalities was in the double digits for the ninth day in a row, with 12 passing away in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Henry announced additional restrictions against indoor team sports, with further details expected in a published order.

She said these events are proving to be a source of COVID-19 transmission.

It’s hoped restrictions can ease for youth and children team sports with the implementation of stronger defenses against the virus.

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