Interior Health reports 290 cases, four new COVID-19 deaths
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Interior Health did not escape tragedy of COVID-19 after it was announced another four people succumbed to the coronavirus since December 31st.
In a media release Monday, following the New Year’s holiday weekend, Interior Health announced the death total in the region has risen to 32.
Provincially, there were 45 new COVID-19 related deaths since December 31st.
“We are saddened to report four additional deaths related to COVID-19 in Interior Health over the weekend,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health.
“We know this is especially hard for the families and caregivers and I want to offer our condolences during this difficult time,” Brown added.
“As we start 2021, there is much to be hopeful for with the vaccination roll-out underway, but we all must remember to keep following public health guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”
Interior Health reported 290 cases over the weekend while the province registered 2,211 since Thursday — Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, 565 new cases; from Jan. 1 to 2, 607 new cases; Jan. 2 to 3, 500 new cases; and 539 new cases in the past 24 hours.
In the same period, Interior Health has 107 on Jan 1; 71, Jan. 2; 52, Jan. 3 and 60, Jan. 3.
Interior Health said 767 cases are active and on isolation with 39 people hospitalized and six in ICU.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer said since the start of immunizations up to yesterday, 24,139 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia.
“While our December allotment was limited, the smaller initial deliveries have allowed us to refine our processes and address any hurdles that have emerged as we ramp up our provincewide immunization program,” Dr. Henry said in the daily media briefing.
“Our approach is to maximize distribution, while balancing supply – vaccinating as many high-risk people as possible in this initial period.”
Locations of weekend COVID-19 deaths in Interior Health
- 1 additional death at McKinney Place in Oliver.
- 1 death at Heritage Square in Vernon.
- 2 deaths in community/hospital.
Update on outbreaks:
- Creekside Landing long-term care in Vernon has four cases: two residents and two staff.
- Williams Lake Seniors Village has two cases: one resident and one staff.
- Noric House long-term care in Vernon has nine cases: eight residents and one staff.
- Heritage Square long-term care in Vernon has 30 cases: 20 residents and 10 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.
- Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna has 40 cases: 35 residents and five staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.
- Teck mining operations remains at 16 IH cases linked to the outbreak.
- McKinney Place long-term care in Oliver remains at 75 cases: 54 residents and 21 staff, with 13 deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Village by the Station long-term care in Penticton has nine cases: five residents and four staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.
- Mountainview Village long-term care in Kelowna remains at 16 cases: eight residents and eight staff, with two deaths connected to this outbreak.
