Health

Trial program grappling with Old City Quarter social disorder now underway

NANAIMO - A six month trial of increased security and cleaning measures in the Old City Quarter is now approved. Nanaimo city council unanimously approved the $195,000 trial program during their Monda...

Jun 23, 2020

New app saving lives and preventing fatal overdoses

NANAIMO - A smartphone is now a lifesaver for those using illicit substances. The Lifeguard app created by BC Emergency Health Services is simple to use, where users select what type of drug their usi...

Jun 22, 2020

Peddling heroin and fentanyl lands Nanaimo woman federal prison sentence

NANAIMO - A woman with a long criminal history was jailed for three years for a street level drug trafficking operation.Courtenay Serah Cross, 44, was convicted of possessing and trafficking more than...

Jun 20, 2020

Active cases of COVID-19 falls across B.C., Vancouver Island remains at zero

NANAIMO - The number of active COVID-19 cases in B.C. continues to dwindle despite small increases in newly confirmed cases. A release from the province on Friday, June 19 confirmed seven new cases si...

Jun 19, 2020

Emergency room staff accused of playing racist games, guessing blood alcohol levels of patients

NANAIMO - An investigator is now appointed to get to the bottom of a serious issue impacting the care provided at B.C. hospitals. Health minister Adrian Dix appointed lawyer and advocate Mary Ellen Tu...

Jun 19, 2020

Island remains flat for COVID-19 cases, community outbreaks indicate fragile defences

NANAIMO - Despite another rise in active cases, the number of daily confirmed positive COVID-19 tests remains low in the province and non-existent on Vancouver Island..Provincial health officer Dr. Bo...

Jun 18, 2020

'This is not the time to take those risks:' caution urged against re-opening too quick

NANAIMO - The province's top doctor continues to preach patience during B.C.'s fight against the coronavirus.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, Ju...

Jun 16, 2020

Residents of Fifth St. affordable housing complex rally for better care and repairs

NANAIMO - Stepping into a unit in the townhouse complex known as Sanala is like stepping into a horror movie. In one unit, flakes of paint fall from the bathroom ceiling in large chunks. In another, f...

Jun 15, 2020

Calls grow for Trudeau to end MSM blood donation ban

OTTAWA - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make people sick across Canada, health authorities are imploring Canadians to donate blood - all Canadians except men who have had recent sex with other ...

Jun 13, 2020

Canadian expert says he is confident COVID-19 vaccine is months, not years away

OTTAWA - One of Canada's preeminent infectious disease experts says he is confident a vaccine for COVID-19 will be ready in months, not years. Dr. Gary Kobinger, director of the Research Cen...

Jun 12, 2020