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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.