Vaccination rates among youth have helped B.C.'s fully immunized rate to just under eight out of every ten eligible people aged 12+. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID CASES

Total COVID-19 cases in Island Health crests 8,000, 69 new

Sep 23, 2021 | 4:17 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health passed another milestone in its COVID-19 case counts.

The health authority crested the 8,000 total case tally, dating back to the start of the pandemic, now at 8,045. Of the total cases, just 567 are active, representing a minor increase from Wednesday, Sept. 22.

The central Island accounted for 36 of the new cases Thursday, ahead of the 26 in the south and seven to the north.

Active cases rose by 10 in the central region, with 190 currently being tracked by public health.

There is a data discrepancy between Island Health and the province, based on the timing of daily COVID-19 results. NanaimoNewsNOW reports local verified data from Island Health.

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According to the BC CDC, 34 patients are admitted for COVID-19 in Island hospitals including 21 receiving critical care.

Across B.C., another 832 new cases were confirmed Thursday, well above the rolling seven day average of 649.

Active cases now sit at 5,697 across the province, including 330 people in hospital, 148 of whom are in intensive care.

Five new fatalities linked to the pandemic were also reported, although none were in Island Health.

Vaccination rates continue to edge up daily, with now 79.9 per cent of those eligible aged 12 and up having received their second dose.

Health minister Adrian Dix said on Tuesday, Sept. 21, the recent rise in rates were due to those under the age of 30.

“As of now, 89.1 per cent of all those 18 to 24 across B.C. have been vaccinated and 87.6 per cent, again above the provincial average, of those 25-29 have been vaccinated.”

Between 79 and 80 per cent of those aged 12 and up in the greater Nanaimo and Oceanside regions are considered fully vaccinated.

Vaccination rates among youth are lower with 68 per cent of those aged 12 to 17 in greater Nanaimo and 60 per cent of youth in the same age cohort have received their second dose.

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