Vancouver Island adds 5 cases of COVID-19 over weekend
Health officials identified five new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region over the weekend.
The new cases were among 229 cases found across B.C. since the last update from the province on Friday. That total includes 94 cases identified on Saturday, 90 cases found on Sunday and 45 cases identified Monday.
Authorities have now confirmed 147,131 cases of COVID-19 in B.C. since the pandemic began, including 5,150 cases in the Vancouver Island region.
Three more people in B.C. died of COVID-19 over the weekend, health officials announced Monday, bringing B.C.'s pandemic death toll to 1,743.
“Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19,” said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix in a statement Monday.
None of the weekend deaths were on Vancouver Island, where 41 people have died since the pandemic began.
There are currently 44 active cases of COVID-19 in the island region, including four people in hospital and one more in critical care, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Island Health identified the locations of 29 of the active cases Monday, including 19 in the South Island, eight in the Central Island and two in the North Island.
Approximately 77.3 per cent of adults in B.C. have now received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 75.8 per cent of people aged 12 and older have received their first shot.
Health officials continue to encourage all British Columbians to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible.
“In particular, as the school year comes to a close, we encourage all eligible youth, those 12 and older, to get your first dose before the summer holidays begin,” said Dix and Henry. “This will allow you and your family to enjoy your summer even more, knowing you have protection from COVID-19.”
The health officials are also warning travellers in particular to get vaccinated before leaving home.
“Let’s remember that the virus is still circulating in communities, here in B.C. and in neighbouring provinces and territories,” Dix and Henry said. “If you are planning a trip, ensure you are vaccinated before you go – it is your ticket to safe travel this summer.”
Background
CTV News Vancouver Island reports the daily COVID-19 case counts as reported by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, which are based on BCCDC data. There may be a discrepancy from the daily case counts reported by the BCCDC and Island Health.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.