Provincial health officer who's eased restrictions in recent weeks when outdoor options are available. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Island Health sees 39 new cases as long-term care home restrictions ease

Mar 25, 2021 | 4:24 PM

NANAIMO — Some COVID-19 restrictions are easing despite a rise in cases.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Thursday, March 25 long-term care home residents will be allowed more loved ones starting in April. They are allowed up to two visitors at a time as well as a child.

“I’m very, very pleased we’re at a place where we can make some changes that will affect people’s quality of life,” Dr. Henry said.

Residents will also not have to stay two metres apart from their friends or family and can hug once again, though masks must be worn.

Restrictions about indoor religious services until the middle of May are also shifting slightly to allow four days of services with attendance limited at 50.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

3h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

3h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

10h ago

Dr. Henry said the continued vaccination rollout and incoming summer weather means restrictions can begin to lessen, despite the upswing in COVID-19 cases.

“It’s not about easing restrictions, as much as recognizing at this stage of the pandemic we need to focus on things we can do safely. We know things done outside are much safer than things done inside. That’s what we need to focus on for the next few months as more and more people are protected.”

B.C. reported 800 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the highest since Jan. 8 and the first time 800 or more cases were seen in 2021.

The 5,856 active cases is a rise of roughly 300 from the day before. Hospitalizations were steady while the number of people receiving intensive care dropped slightly.

Within Island Health, another 39 cases were found.

This is an increase from recent days which saw a run of cases in the 20’s.

Island Health has crossed the 3,000 mark in total COVID-19 cases.

There’s currently 233 active within Island Health.

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.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW