Amidst reports of a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, the numbers of active cases on Vancouver Island is once again rising.
The virus appeared to have totally disappeared from the north of the island by the end of June. While there were still cases in the more populated south and central regions, they numbered in dozens rather than hundreds.
New COVID-19 cases in Vancouver Island Local health areas between Aug. 8-14. Map adapted from BC Centre for Disease Control by Roy L Hales
Island Health reported 278 active cases yesterday (Aug. 28), and 28 of these were in North Vancouver Island.
The breakdown by specific Local Health Areas in the north, during the epi-week ending on Saturday, Aug. 14, was as follows:
- 14 in the Comox Valley
- 6 in Greater Campbell River, many of which are connected to an outbreak Discovery Harbour Long-Term Care Home, in Campbell River
- 1 in Vancouver Island North
There were no cases in Vancouver Island West at that time.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, says the transmission is primarily occurring among unvaccinated young adults.
“While the Delta variant is more contagious, a complete two-dose series of COVID-19 vaccine still provides substantial protection. The vast majority of cases and hospitalizations are in those not fully vaccinated," Tam said in the statement Aug. 12.