Health

'There's a lot of uncertainty:' officials weigh possible impact of Omicron variant

NANAIMO - Vastly more COVID-19 cases are expected as health officials gauge various scenarios a new variant of the virus could bring.A modelling presentation by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie He...

Dec 14, 2021

Seven die in Nanaimo in October from drug toxicity as B.C. continues to set new records

NANAMO - October is now the deadliest month in our province's history for illicit drug toxicity.201 lives were lost last month, which equates to just over six people dying per day. Seven fatalities we...

Dec 09, 2021

Man sentenced for extended sexual abuse of young Nanaimo girl

NANAMO - Agonizing impacts of abuse at the hands of a once trusted family friend were highlighted during an emotional sentencing hearing.Robert Wayne Calvert, 51, had two years tacked onto an existing...

Dec 09, 2021

Nanaimo nurses hop aboard international cargo ships to vaccinate passengers

NANAIMO - Life of a nurse is anything but normal, just ask a pair of Nanaimo health professionals handed a unique task.Shaylyn Salisbury and Johanna Chang are among a small team of Public Health nurse...

Dec 07, 2021

Prostate cancer scare compels Nanaimo man to step up advocacy

NANAIMO - A three time cancer survivor has new role in his retirement years: helping other people grappling with the same harrowing health battles he faced.Don Helgeson of Nanaimo, a recently retired ...

Dec 04, 2021

'I have a passion for life again:' funded Nanaimo beds targeting mental health & addictions treatment

NANAIMO - Cost efficiencies and a focus on turning out of reach private beds into publicly funded facilities has seen Nanaimo treatment options increase.Following funding made available in early 2021,...

Dec 03, 2021

Single warming centre open for Nanaimo's vulnerable population

NANAIMO - For those experiencing homelessness during the winter months, a warming centre can be the difference between life or death.The Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy (SEIA) is offering t...

Dec 01, 2021

Mask mandate increased ahead of holiday season, first omicron case confirmed

NANAIMO - After cases were first detected in eastern Canada of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, B.C. has reported its first instance of omicron.First detected in southern Africa, the newest variant ...

Nov 30, 2021

VIDEO: Vehicle ploughs into house in overnight MVI, narrowly misses sleeping girl

NANAIMO - A family has escaped disaster after a vehicle crashed into their home.RCMP and Nanaimo Fire Rescue were called to a home in the 2400 block of Highland Blvd., at the corner with Cosgrove Cres...

Nov 29, 2021

Inattentive driver sentenced for fatal rear-end crash in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - Andrew Capadouca's wife kissed him and waved goodbye as he rode off on his motorcycle headed for lunch on a clear, warm afternoon in Nanaimo.Minutes later the 73-year-old retiree was pronoun...

Nov 29, 2021