After weeks without a single active case, the Vancouver Island Health region is back on COVID-19 alert after one person tested positive for the virus.
On Monday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that there is one new case in the Island Health region, marking the first active case on the island since June 4.
“We know that we cannot survive on this island without having people coming back and forth with groceries and all kinds of things, even if it was only essential travel,” said Henry at the at the press briefing.
“It is not a surprise to me that we’ve seen a case here. It reminds us this virus is still circulating in our community, thankfully in B.C. at a low level.”
Dr. Henry did not confirm details about where exactly in the region the patient was diagnosed.
On Friday, the Tsawout First Nation near Saanichton issued a warning when one person tested positive for COVID-19 after briefly visiting the Health Centre on the reserve.
According to the notice, the individual in question “observed appropriate physical distancing and hand hygiene measures” when they were at the health centre.
The exposure is classified as “low risk”, and Vancouver Island Health Authority are investigating and reaching out to anyone who may have had close contact with the person.
As a result of the exposure, the Tsawout First Nation Administration Building has been closed for two weeks until July 6.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
