Health

Province outlines COVID-19 vaccine distribution, doses to Island Health by early January

NANAIMO - The end of COVID-19 is on the horizon but not without a lot of hard work yet to be done, according to public health officialsHealth Canada approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday, ...

Dec 09, 2020

Canada approves Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, distribution expected within days

NANAIMO - Health Canada has approved the first independently reviewed COVID-19 vaccine.The approval green-light's distribution of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine across the country, beginning with seniors...

Dec 09, 2020

'It's historic:' first Vancouver Island dedicated air ambulances land in Nanaimo & Parksville

NANAIMO - A helicopter and plane are now responding to emergency calls and less serious trips to major hospitals from all over Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast region.BC Emergency...

Dec 09, 2020

COVID-19 takes its toll with 16 new fatalities across B.C.

NANAIMO - B.C. has once again hit the record for most lives lost in one day due to COVID-19. The BC CDC confirmed an additional 16 fatalities on Tuesday, Dec. 8, tied for the most fatal day so far in ...

Dec 08, 2020

'Give us the basics:' Wesley St. supporters rally for more permanent solutions

NANAIMO - Advocates for the roughly 60 people experiencing homelessness displaced after the Wesley St. fire say a lack of housing options and supports is failing those who need it most. Christine Bare...

Dec 08, 2020

A look at what provinces and territories have said about COVID-19 vaccine plans

The federal government says the largest mass immunization effort in Canadian history could begin as early as next week. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa expects to receive up to 249,000 doses...

Dec 08, 2020

COVID-19 exposure recorded at Nanaimo high school

NANAIMO - The number of schools in Nanaimo confirmed to have a COVID-19 exposure has grown. Island Health and SD68 confirmed on Monday, Dec. 7 there was a COVID-19 exposure at Nanaimo District Seconda...

Dec 07, 2020

Island Health sees 45 new COVID-19 cases over weekend, unusual Christmas looms in B.C.

NANAIMO - Christmas mingling across the province will be banned.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Monday, Dec. 7 extended sweeping COVID-19 restrictions, featuring sticking to your own ind...

Dec 07, 2020

First doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, not yet approved, to land in Canada next week

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says up to 249,000 doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine will arrive on Canadian soil by the end of the month, with the first doses delivered next week.Health Canad...

Dec 07, 2020

School meals program in Nanaimo sees huge surge in users

NANAIMO - Significantly more students in School District 68 are relying on a critical program to ensure they have enough food to get through the day.Crystal Dennison, executive director of the Nanaimo...

Dec 07, 2020