BCCDC graphic shows Nelson area 117 new COVID-19 cases
By Lone Sheep Publishing
The number of new COVID-19 cases in the Nelson area continues to surge according to the latest figures posted on the BC Centre of Disease Control website.
Wednesday, the BCCDC released its weekly Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence map, shows Nelson as the hotspot for the Kootenay-Columbia region of the province.
The map, from the period of August 8-14, 2021, and illustrating the geographic distribution of reported cases from the most recent epidemiological week — Sunday to Sunday — shows the Heritage City region with 117 new COVID-19 cases.
The total is greater than Vernon (109), Revelstoke and Penticton (33) and only slightly less than Kamloops (121).
The Nelson area reported 38 new COVID-19 cases the week of July 25-31, 2021 and 74 between August 1-7, 2021.
Castlegar reported 34 new COVID-19 cases while Trail had 21, Grand Forks 10, Arrow Lakes seven, Kootenay Lake three and Kettle Valley two.
In the East Kootenay, Creston reported 49 cases while Cranbrook had 21, Fernie 19, Golden 12 and Kimberley 10.
The Central Okanagan, centering around Kelowna, reported close to 1,000 new COVID-19 case, with 922.
Interior Health, which imposed new restrictions on August 6 to the Central Okanagan to slow the rapid increase of infections, has seen a levelling off of case numbers in recent days.
Wednesday, the Province reported 553 new cases of COVID-19, one related death and one new outbreak in the province’s health care system.
The latest cases pushed B.C.’s seven-day average for infections to 531 per day, which is the highest it’s been since May 15.
However, Wednesday’s numbers were just a few more than Tuesday’s update.
And the 230 cases announced in Interior Health on Wednesday pushed the region’s seven-day average down to 259, a slight dip from 263 on Tuesday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix continue to push vaccinations to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The two did recently announce that vaccines will soon be mandatory for all employees and volunteers at long-term care homes and assisted living facilities.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, 82.8% (3,837,946) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 73.8% (3,419,832) received their second dose.
In addition, 83.6% (3,616,043) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 75.1% (3,248,763) received their second dose.
The BCCDC said the number of cases in the Local Health Area may not represent the location of exposure — people who acquire disease while travelling of working elsewhere — and that not all COVID-19 infected individuals are test and reported; the virus may be circulating undetected in the community, including areas where no cases have been identified by public health.
