Health

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

Restaurant capacity rules revised as B.C. posts 14 new COVID-19 cases

NANAIMO - For the sixth consecutive day, British Columbia did not register a death related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed 14 new cases of corona...

Alex Rawnsley Jun 11, 2020

May deadliest month ever for fatal overdoses on Vancouver Island

NANAIMO - The tainted drug supply on Vancouver Island claimed the most lives ever in May. New data from the BC Coroners Service released on Thursday, June 11 showed fatal illicit drug overdoses on the...

Jun 11, 2020

Province confirms 12 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths for fifth straight day

NANAIMO - COVID-19 continues to remain flat on Vancouver Island.No new cases of the virus on the Island were confirmed by the province on Wednesday, June 10. Across B.C., 12 new people tested positive...

Jun 10, 2020

COVID-19 cases will go up as Alberta reopens many activities: health experts

Health experts say it makes sense for Alberta to take the next step in reopening its economy, but warn there will be an uptick in COVID-19 cases due to an inability to physically distance in some situ...

Jun 10, 2020

Construction begins for new $3M colonoscopy suite at NRGH

NANAIMO - A new suite currently under construction at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is expected to curb long wait times for a crucial procedure. Island Health announced on Wednesday, June 10 const...

Jun 10, 2020