Health

Three new cases of COVID-19 across central Island, hospitalizations drop for first time in weeks

NANAIMO - Central Vancouver Island has reported its best day for new COVID-19 cases in months.Just three new cases were announced by Island Health on Friday, April 23 in the central island zone with 2...

Apr 23, 2021

Province reveals details of non-essential travel ban now in effect, questions on enforcement remain

NANAIMO - A non-essential travel ban is now in effect in the province, however it's unclear how CounterAttack-style road blocks will impact out of region travellers.Public safety minister and solicito...

Apr 23, 2021

Non-urgent surgeries postponed as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise

NANAIMO - Some elective, non-urgent surgeries are the latest cancellation as a result of the province's third COVID-19 wave.Nearly 2,000 surgeries in the Lower Mainland will be postponed to free staff...

Apr 22, 2021

Expert says Saskatchewan should consider more targeted vaccine plan as variants surge

SASKATOON - Nazeem Muhajarine says he feels a sense of relief after receiving his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine last week at a centre in Saskatoon."It was just so well-organized and run. I felt com...

Apr 22, 2021

COVID-19 outbreak within NRGH unit grows, first staff member infected

NANAIMO - A staff member in a NRGH unit has contracted COVID-19 as the outbreak spreads. Island Health on Wednesday, April 21 confirmed a staff member and additional patient in the High Intensity Reha...

Alex Rawnsley Apr 21, 2021

Offender jailed for Nanaimo dial-a-dope operation

NANAIMO - A man was sentenced to 27 months behind bars after his street level drug trafficking scheme was uncovered during a Nanaimo traffic stop.Robert John Harper, 35, was sentenced in the BC Suprem...

Apr 21, 2021

Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh school returns to school exposure list

NANAIMO - Another COVID-19 exposure event occurred at a Snuneymuxw First Nation school. SD68 notified the public on Tuesday, April 20 about a COVID-19 exposure event at Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh lasting fr...

Apr 20, 2021

Active COVID-19 cases in central Island drop below 100

NANAIMO - Island Health is continuing to trend on the downward slope from B.C.'s third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.A total of 32 cases were confirmed by the health authority on Tuesday, April 20 inc...

Apr 20, 2021

Outbreak declared over at LongLake Chateau in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - The most recent outbreak at a Nanaimo care home is now over. Island Health announced on Tuesday, April 20 the outbreak at the Longlake Chateau independent living facility is over. "There are...

Apr 20, 2021

Additional COVID-19 case discovered in NRGH unit

NANAIMO - Another case of COVID-19 was found in a rehab unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Island Health confirmed the fifth case on Monday, April 19. The outbreak began on April 14 in the Hig...

Apr 19, 2021