Vancouver Island reported three new new cases of COVID-19 today. Island Health has not yet released data with a breakdown of which areas the new cases are in.
There were 567 new cases reported and one new death across the province when Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer and Adrian Dix, health minister provided a rare weekend update.
“In the last two weeks, we have seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks in health-care facilities centred primarily in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions,” said a joint statement from Henry and Dix.
There are 31 people in intensive care in B.C. with the virus, three more than yesterday.
New provincial health orders specific to the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions were announced today. It is now strongly recommended by provincial health officials people keep travel in and out of these health regions to essential only.
“It is very important that everyone in these regions significantly reduces their social interactions.The orders focus on three areas: social gatherings, group physical activities and workplaces,” the statement said.
The new orders suspended indoor group actives such as yoga, dance classes and indoor sports where physical distance cannot be maintained. Gatherings of any size are not allowed under the new orders — it tells people to only socialize with people within their households. All businesses in the two health regions are required to conduct daily in-person screening for all on-site workers.
People disobeying the orders are subject to fines from police or other compliance and enforcement officials, according to the province. Orders are in effect starting Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. through to Nov. 23, 2020, at noon.
“Provincial health officer orders are always a last resort, and these additional measures are required right now. We need everyone to help us keep our wall strong to re-double our efforts to protect our hospitals, our schools, our workplaces and our communities.”
More information on the new orders can be found on the province’s website.
