B.C. confirms another 740 new COVID-19 cases, 32 in Island Health

B.C. confirms another 740 new COVID-19 cases, 32 in Island Health
Province of BC

British Columbia is reporting 740 new cases of COVID-19 for the entire province with four additional deaths in that span.

Of the 740 new cases, 32 are linked to the Island Health region.

There are currently 7,886 active cases in British Columbia, while 11,727 residents remain under active public health monitoring.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says that 511 are in hospital – an increase of 8 since April. 29 – with 174 people in critical care as a result of the virus (a decrease of four).

Since Thursday’s numbers, there have been 163 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 431 in the Fraser Health region, 32 in the Island Health region, 92 in the Interior Health region, 22 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

There were four additional deaths related to the virus on Friday. This brings the provincial death total over the course of the pandemic to 1,581.

Also as of Friday, the total number of cases in British Columbia over the course of the pandemic has reached 129,482.

Health officials also said, to date, 1,786,722 doses of all three COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the province, 90,642 of which are second doses.

Dr. Henry and Health Minister Dix highlight that nearly 40 per cent of eligible people in B.C. have received their first dose.

“The focus of the COVID-19 vaccine program is to protect as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, and to address hot spots and reduce transmission everywhere,” reads a joint statement from the duo.

“Everyone in B.C. who is 18 years and older should register on the Get Vaccinated website or by calling 1 833 838-2323. Registration is required only once.”

Coming up next week, health officials are stating that vaccinations for prioritized frontline workers and residents 50 years and older will begin.

Earlier on Friday, the B.C. government also provided further details about B.C.’s travel ban road checks.

Island Health

According to the latest data provided by Island Health, there are currently 253 active cases on Vancouver Island.

Of the active cases, 140 are on southern Vancouver Island, 93 on central Vancouver Island and 20 on northern Vancouver Island.

Southern Vancouver Island includes the Greater Victoria region, Southern Gulf Islands and the Port Renfrew area.

Central Vancouver Island includes the Cowichan Valley, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni and Tofino areas.

Northern Vancouver Island goes from the Comox Valley to Port Hardy but also includes surrounding areas like Alert Bay and Sointula.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Island Health region has reported 4,639 cases.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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