Over 500 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed across the province on Thursday. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Upcoming Family Day holiday seen as next obstacle in B.C.’s COVID-19 response

Jan 28, 2021 | 4:30 PM

NANAIMO — B.C.’s COVID-19 curve continues to fluctuate.

A joint statement from the province and public health on Thursday, Jan. 28 reported 546 new cases across B.C.

Island Health reported 32 new cases in the health authority, taking the total number of cases to 1,553 throughout the course of the pandemic.

The number of active cases rose to 222 including 167 in the central Island region. Island Health lists 41 active cases in the south Island and 14 in the north, numbers which remained relatively steady since Wednesday.

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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Across B.C., 4,455 cases are active with the number of hospitalizations dropping to 291 including 75 people receiving intensive care.

Twelve people lost their lives in the last 24 hours as a result of the virus, taking the provincial death tol to 1,184.

The province’s vaccination program has provided 127,255 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to date, including 4,185 second doses to health care workers primarily in the Lower Mainland.

Those numbers include over 24,000 doses within Island Health.

The province is eyeing Family Day as the next major potential hurdle to overcome as the February long weekend is typically billed as a chance to travel and gather together.

“The more people you see and more places you go increase the risk for you, your family and those in the community you may be visiting,” the statement read. “Rather, this coming Family Day, make it a day with your family at home. Plan something local and make it special for the people in your household.”

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