News
January 18, 2021
BCCDC COVID-19 Immunization Program Question and Answer Document for Health Care Professionals
This Q&A document includes general information about COVID-19 vaccines and questions and answers specific to the vaccines currently in use in B.C. COVID-19 vaccine information is evolving, and as such, this Q&A may be updated as new information and new COVID-19 vaccines become available in B.C.
January 15, 2021
Pfizer Vaccine Delay
Pfizer is producing and providing vaccine, with significant delays to B.C.’s supply. We are still trying to figure out exactly how this will affect our vaccination rollout in Island Health, but it is clear that we are going to have to adapt our plans. As of now, we have paused making any new vaccination appointments while we take a closer look at our anticipated vaccine supply and seek further information and direction from the Provincial Health Officer.
January 15, 2021
President & CEO and Chief MHO Joint Update
We begin today’s message on a sad note, by acknowledging the deaths of two residents of the Chartwell Malaspina Care Home in Nanaimo where there is a COVID-19 outbreak. While it is remarkable that no one in long-term care in Island Health has died from COVID-19 until now, the loss of these two people is a sobering reminder that we’re not invulnerable. Our hearts go out to their families, loved ones, and care providers who have nurtured and befriended them while in our care.
January 15, 2021
13 new cases today, Island Health total 1,211
There are 24 active cases in the north, 118 central and 33 in the south island.
January 15, 2021
Expanding West Coast General Hospital’s emergency department
Province of BC announces an emergency department redevelopment to support improvements to patient care and privacy at WCGH.
January 15, 2021
Rural and Remote Indigenous COVID-19 Response Framework
This framework serves as a guide for testing, clinical pathways, patient transport, and provides other tools to support a rural, remote, and Indigenous COVID-19 response and to achieve the key deliverables outlined by the Ministry of Health.
January 14, 2021
Vaccination campaign update: Second doses
Island Health is now three weeks into our COVID-19 mass immunization campaign. Response has been extremely positive so far, and we appreciate the participation of those who have received their first immunization shot and the patience of everyone who will be booked for an appointment in the weeks ahead.
January 14, 2021
Outbreak and case information | Long-Term Care, Assisted Living & Independent Living Facilities
A weekly report for Long-Term Care, Assisted Living & Independent Living Facilities.
January 14, 2021
Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility in Duncan COVID-19 Outbreak Update
Island Health declared an outbreak at Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility on January 7, 2021, after one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. No other staff or resident cases were identified related to this outbreak.
January 14, 2021
Healing in pandemic times: Indigenous Peoples, stigma, and COVID-19
Indigenous Health, Northern Health, in collaboration with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, have released a short animated video addressing the ongoing issue of stigmatization experienced by Indigenous Peoples in the health care system. The animated video reviews key terms like stigmatization, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in an easily understandable way.