Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry who's seen a gradual increase in cases across B.C. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Island Health records 26 new COVID-19 cases

Mar 24, 2021 | 4:13 PM

NANAIMO — The rollercoaster of new and active COVID-19 cases within the central Vancouver Island area continues.

Island Health saw 26 new cases confirmed on Wednesday, March 24.

There’s currently 107 active cases in the area, the most of Island Health’s three areas. South Vancouver Island had more active cases on Tuesday, but those numbers have now receded slightly.

The central Vancouver Island area often had two-thirds to three-quarters of active cases in Island Health for much of the pandemic, reflected in the total number of cases. South Vancouver Island has caught up in recent weeks.

The rolling three day average of new COVID-19 cases within Island Health remained at 72.

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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.

The province confirmed 716 new cases across B.C., the second time in less than a week the number of new cases have topped 700.

The 5,573 active cases is the highest number of active cases since January 9.

There’s currently 303 people in hospital, which is a decrease of 11 from the day before. The number of people receiving intensive care rose by two to 85.

Three new fatalities were reported across the province.

Public health reported 71 new variants of concern, but did not detail which variants were included in the increase. There’s nearly 150 active cases of the variant, primarily of the UK strain.

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