The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is asking people to refrain from calling their COVID-19 testing line without first checking if they require testing.

In a statement to Victoria Buzz on Wednesday afternoon, Island Health says approximately 30 per cent of calls made to the 1-844-901-8442 COVID-19 test booking line are from people who do not need to get tested as per BCCDC guidelines.

Over the past two weeks, VIHA’s call centre has been experiencing a surge in demand and responding to around 500 calls per day.

The 1-844 line began experiencing difficulties last week as many reported wait times longer than 90 minutes and dropped calls.

While calls are no longer being dropped as that issue has been resolved, a consistent increase in the number of calls means some people are now hearing an automated recording and are unable to get through to book a testing appointment.

Island Health are currently in the process of hiring and training an additional 45 employees to man the lines, and within the next few weeks should be able to field about 1,000 calls per day.

However a spokesperson for VIHA says people who do not have symptoms or may not need testing should call their primary care provider or the province-wide 8-1-1 number.

“We recognize the importance of early detection and follow up in preventing transmission of COVID-19 and are working as quickly as possible to decrease the wait times,” reads the statement from Island Health.

“Once an appointment is booked, the vast majority of people are booked for a test within 48 hours. COVID testing within Island Health operates on an appointment model so that people do not have to spend a long time waiting at the testing centre.”

Residents are also encouraged to complete the B.C. self assessment tool to determine whether they need to book an appointment for testing before calling VIHA.

This International Dog Day, a local police detachment has some pup-related news to share.

West Shore RCMP has acquired a second Police Service Dog to join their team and are now introducing her to the world.

Four-year-old Halla is a German Shepherd working with handler Cst. Dave Lewis. Lewis is an experienced K9 handler and has been training Halla since she was a pup.

Halla and Cst. Lewis will be joining existing K9 duo, Erik and his handler Cpl. Melvin who have been featured in the news over the years for sniffing out drug holdings, catching break-and-enter suspects, and more.

“Police Service Dogs and their handlers go through extensive training before entering the field,” said West Shore RCMP.

“Today we honour our Police Service Dogs and their handlers for all the hard work they do.”

Victoria Police are issuing an alert after a needle was found taped to a park bench in Centennial Square this morning.

Police say a City of Victoria staff member was performing their work duties at around 10:50 a.m. Tuesday morning when they found the uncapped needle taped to a bench in Centennial Square.

See also: Sooke mother calls for action after son pricked by needle in Rutledge Park

According to police, the needle was placed in such a way that if someone sat on the bench, they would have been pricked by it.

VicPD spokesperson Bowen Osoko says the worker removed the needle from the bench right away.

“We do public alerts so people are aware. There aren’t any reports of any injuries,” Osoko said in a phone call with Victoria Buzz.

“Our hope is that maybe someone saw the person who placed it there. If they did, we’d like to talk to them.”

Police are now looking to identify and speak to the individual who taped the needle to the bench.

Anyone with information can contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654 and select extension 1 for the Report Desk.

To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Jayne Forgie’s son was visiting a friend in Rutledge Park on Monday afternoon and had just settled down in the grass when he felt a sharp pain in his back.

He had been pricked by a discarded needle.

“Once he texted and told me, I was freaked out and angry that this happened,” Forgie said in an interview with Victoria Buzz.

“But I calmed down today. He’s a very responsible and mature 15 year old. He handled it well.”

Forgie says her son was taken to Royal Jubilee Hospital for blood tests, and will need to return for additional tests in approximately three weeks.

In the meantime, she is calling on local leaders to take action and is working to educate herself and the public about hazards posed by discarded needles.

“I’m trying to educate myself about these things so that I can help prevent it happening to others,” Forgie says.

“I want to find out what’s being done, how it can be improved, how I can help, what can be done to inform other people.”

She has written to both Victoria and Saanich mayors and councils. So far, one council member has written back to her.

Forgie stressed that she wants to use this incident to contribute to a solution, not to point fingers.

“I don’t want to blame one set of people,” she said. “But I think it’s something that needs to be addressed more. The more we hear about it, then action might be taken a little bit quicker.”

While she waits to hear back from civic officials and her son’s doctor, Forgie is warning other members of the public to be cautious and vigilant.

“Maybe we’ve been a little bit blind thinking ‘this won’t happen to me.’ It can happen to anyone. So just be aware. The more we educate ourselves, the better.”

Island Health’s website has information on what to do if you discover an improperly discarded needle, and what to do if you are pricked by one.

They emphasize that the risk of infection from an accidental needle stick is rare.

Local furniture designer and manufacturer Autonomous Furniture was announced on Monday as one of the recipients of FedEx’s #SupportSmall grant program.

The grants provided a total of $150,000 to 30 small businesses across Canada, with $5,000 awarded to Autonomous Furniture, a Victoria-based company launched in 2013.

Kirk Van Ludwig, Founder and Designer of Autonomous, says he started the company after his partner, Jodie Webb, encouraged him to adapt his notebook of designs into real life pieces.

Since then, Autonomous has grown as a local business, selling over 1,500 pieces to clients on Vancouver Island and abroad.

“Our Victoria clients… it’s just amazing how they’ve really enabled us,” said Van Ludwig. “Victoria people allowed us to build out. We have 30 or so designs that we build all the time.”

That local business model was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large drop in sales at their storefront on Government St.

“March 15 2020 we were having one of our best months ever,” Van Ludwig said. “For the next six weeks we didn’t see a single sale.”

The company had planned an expansion following invitation to a New York trade show in 2019, but those plans had to be put on hold as Autonomous struggled to stay afloat through the summer of 2020.

Then the FedEx grant was announced. Van Ludwig says the money was exactly what his company needed to adapt to a COVID-19 world.

“The Fedex grant allowed us to funnel funds into a Google Digital Marketing campaign,” he said.

“Without this money, I think we would have bumbled along… I think we’ll look back on this as a major turning point for our business.”

Van Ludwig has also revisited his furniture design work and says Autonomous has launched five new designs over the course of the pandemic.

Even with the move to a more digital age, however, Van Ludwig says he is determined to keep his storefront and business in Victoria.

“I think we have a lot of room for growth on Vancouver Island,” he said.

“I was the guy seven years ago saying we’re crazy for opening in Victoria, but I just see it as one of the nicest places to live in the world.”

West Shore RCMP are investigating reports of an indecent act at a public beach that took place over the weekend.

Police say that several witnesses reported a man masturbating while completely naked, in the nude beach section of Witty’s Lagoon.

At the time, complainants said the man was lying just 20 feet away from them.

“Witnesses told the suspect he was making them feel uncomfortable but the suspect continued on with the indecent act,” reads the police statement.

Officers arrived at the beach but were not able to find the suspect and are now seeking public assistance in identifying him.

He is described as a stocky, muscular man with dark skin—police say he is possibly of Hispanic descent—standing approximately 5’5″ tall, and has black, wavy hair.

Anyone who knows who this man could be is asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.

ICBC was flooded with online and phone call bookings for road tests as the crown corporation reopened for class 5 and 7 road testing on Monday.

Testing had been temporarily suspended since March 17, 2020 due to restrictions around COVID-19.

Online bookings for road testing officially reopened at midnight Monday evening, and the system was quickly overwhelmed.

“Our website only permits a certain number of people to book their road test at the same time,” Joanna Linsangan, a spokesperson for ICBC, said in an interview with Victoria Buzz.

“As of 3 o’clock yesterday 18,000 people had booked a new class 5 or 7 road test.”

She says that in a typical month ICBC books around 20,000 people for these types of road tests.

Additional staff have been hired to help in the call centre, as well as 38 new temporary examiners with up to 100 more on the way.

Linsangan says she recognizes the frustration of customers who found themselves unable to book through the website or phones.

She adds that customers can help speed up wait times by following COVID-19 guidelines for road testing, including ensuring their vehicle is clean and wearing a mask.

“We’re asking for your patience but also that you be as prepared as possible for your road test,” Linsangan said.

“We want to set our customers up for success.”

In Victoria proper, current wait times for class 5 and 7 road tests are approximately 50 days. Two new examiners have been hired in Nanaimo, and one new examiner in Victoria.

B.C. is continuing a disturbing trend of over 100 illicit drug overdose deaths last month, counting a total of 175 deaths in July alone.

The latest report from the BC Coroners Service report states that a total of 175 people died of drug overdose in July 2020, the same number of deaths as June 2020.

The number of deaths in July represents a 136 per cent increase in overdose deaths compared to the same time period in 2019.

“What the latest numbers show us is that the overdose crisis has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented tragedy of death and loss to families in our province continues,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry on Tuesday.

“The toxicity of drug supply is extreme, and I implore anyone who may be using drugs to not do it alone. For friends and family members who are concerned about loved ones, reach out and connect with them and let them know they are not alone.”

See also: B.C. paramedics respond to over 2,700 overdoses in July, as province ramps up supports

Post-mortem toxicology testing data published in this report suggest an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations (exceeding 50 micrograms per litre) in April, May, June and July 2020 compared with previous months.

B.C. has now recorded five consecutive months with over 100 people dying from drug overdose. So far this year, 909 people have lost their lives to drugs.

Most recent post-mortem toxicology testing data suggests an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations—exceeding 50 micrograms per litre—in April, May, June and July 2020 compared with previous months.

Victoria, once again, had the third highest number of overdose deaths in the province, after Vancouver and Surrey.

84 people in Victoria have lost their lives to drugs in the first seven months of 2020—17 of whom died in July. To put this into perspective, 61 people overdosed on drugs in all of 2019 in the city.

According to chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, stigma and shame continues to surround those who use substances, which causes many to turn inwards and use drugs alone.

That, combined with an increase in the toxicity of street drugs now available, has led to a spike in fatalities.

“As the risks for those purchasing from the illicit market are extreme, we continue to encourage clinicians to support those at risk of overdose by prescribing safe supply,” said Lapointe in a statement.

“We also continue to advocate for an accessible, evidence-based and accountable treatment and recovery system for anyone experiencing problematic substance use who is seeking this medical assistance.”

Indigenous people continue to be disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis. First Nations people represent 3.4 per cent of the province’s population, yet accounted for 16 per cent of all illicit drug deaths in B.C. from January to May 2020.

Once again, Dr. Bonnie Henry called for the decriminalization of individual possession of drugs.

No deaths were recorded at supervised consumption sites in B.C.

It’s the earliest start to fall yet, as declared by Starbucks!

The coffee giant has officially rolled out its signature fall drinks and eats that are released to signal the end of summer each year.

That’s right: the love-it-or-hate-it Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks cafés across the U.S. and Canada as of August 25.

With it, the company is bringing back its entire fall menu, including their Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, the Salted Caramel Mocha and Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino.

The drinks are accompanied by some classic pumpkin-flavoured fall eats, including their Pumpkin Scone and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin.

For those who shun all things flavoured, Starbucks is also bringing back a seasonal blended coffee: the Guatemala Casi Cielo, a medium roast coffee with a smooth body, bright lemon notes, and lingering cocoa finish.

In addition to these menu additions, Starbucks has officially added oat milk to their dairy alternative options, and added a couple of drinks to celebrate the fact.

Canadians can now order an ‘Oat Latte’—a basic dairy-alternative latte made with oat milk—and a new ‘Apple Oat Flat White’ beverage featuring apple syrup, oat milk, and a clove-sugar topping.

Whether you have a hankering for the nostalgic PSL or are ready to move on and try something new, Starbucks has it all this end-of-summer season.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps says she has called for a special closed council meeting to discuss the fate of homeless encampments in the city.

The meeting will convene on Thursday, August 27 when Mayor and councillors will seek legal advice on how to better manage the encampment situation.

“The current situation is not working for anyone,” Helps said in a message to Victoria Buzz.

“Unfortunately it’s not as easy as simply enforcing the 7-7 camping bylaw without a better plan in place.”

During the pandemic, homeless people have been allowed to camp in certain parks, like Beacon Hill Park, 24/7 rather than just overnight.

Several councillors have voiced concerns about the need to end round the clock encampments at parks.

Last month, the B.C. Supreme Court approved an injunction order that required homeless people camping at Beacon Hill Park to move to less ecologically vulnerable parts of the park.

Mayor Helps says any decisions about bylaws made at the closed council meeting will be made public at the regular Committee of the Whole meeting on September 3.

More to come.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds air demonstration squadron will be resuming operations after an operational pause was lifted Monday morning.

The pause had been implemented after a fatal accident in Kamloops on May 17 claimed the life of Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer Captain Jennifer Casey.

Casey was killed when the CT-114 Tutor plane she was in crashed shortly after takeoff at 11:40 a.m. from the Kamloops airport.

See Also: One dead in Canadian Forces Snowbird crash in Kamloops

While the investigation into Casey’s death is still ongoing, the Snowbirds say that a thorough technical and operational risk analysis has been undertaken to enhance safety.

The focus of that analysis is on risk mitigation measures that place some restrictions on flying operations and increased maintenance requirements.

Once the investigation into Casey’s death is completed the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will determine if further risk mitigation measures are required.

In the meantime, the remainder of the Snowbirds 2020 season has been cancelled, including remaining dates in a cross-Canada tour aimed at boosting morale during COVID-19.

“The Snowbirds continue to mourn the loss of Captain Jennifer Casey,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Bandet, Commanding Officer 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

“While we are saddened that the 2020 air demonstration season is officially cancelled, and that we will not be completing Operation INSPIRATION, the team is looking forward to getting back in the air and starting to train for next year’s season.”

The RCAF says the investigation into the Kamloops incident, which was part of the tour, is focussed on environmental factors including birds striking the plane.

Police issued a second COVID-19 related fine at the same Victoria apartment after a resident hosted back-to-back parties this weekend.

Officers responded to a noise complaint shortly after midnight on August 21 in the 1000-block of Fort St. and found a party in progress with about 40-60 people in attendance.

The host was fined $2,300 under section 2 of the CRMA for violating a public health order on gatherings and events.

Two days later, police were back at the same address for another complaint, and discovered a gathering of 15 people in that very same one-bedroom suite.

Officers told the host and guests that the party was over and to leave the suite. Police say the group was compliant except for one guest who refused to leave.

The man was arrested for obstructing a peace officer and was served a $230 fine for violating section 6 of the CRMA, for abusive or belligerent behaviour at a social gathering.

The guest was released on scene and left the area.

VicPD Chief Del Manak called the incident “unbelievable & unacceptable” on Twitter.

“This is proof that asking for voluntary compliance & appealing to people’s common sense doesn’t work with some,” Manak wrote. “Proud of all others.”

These fines are the first of their kind in B.C. since the provincial government issued new measures to allow police and other officers to issue COVID-19 violation penalties as of August 21.

A 23-year-old driver was arrested after he was found impaired and in breach of court-ordered conditions.

According to West Shore RCMP, officers received a report of a dangerous driver on the evening of August 22 at around 7:15 p.m.

Witnesses reported a white F350 pick up truck racing back and forth near the 3100-block of Humpback Rd in Langford, while the driver yelled at people out of his window.

Others reported that the truck had hit a tree, but proceeded to drive away after the collision. Police say one witness was able to provide them with the licence plate number.

When officers arrived, they found the vehicle travelling on Langford Parkway near Leigh Rd and determined that the driver, 23-year-old Garrett Tunkow, was in breach of several court ordered conditions.

Police say Tunkow is currently prohibited from driving province wide and was breaching several court ordered conditions, including breach of court imposed curfew and weapons possession, as police found two shotguns in his vehicle.

He has been arrested and charged for numerous offences including possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, driving while prohibited and failure to comply with release conditions.

West Shore RCMP are also still investigating Tunkow for impaired driving and further charges may be recommended to the Crown.

The suspect remains in custody to await court appearance.

A Vancouver Island man cleaned up in more ways than one after winning big at Lotto Max with a ticket purchased during his weekly laundry trip.

Campbell River resident Antonius Vollenberg won $862,722.80 after he matched six of seven numbers plus the bonus number on the July 28, 2020 Lotto Max draw.

“It was laundry day,” Vollenberg said. “Whenever I do laundry, I buy a ticket.”

He bought the ticket from his local laundromat and says he likes to play Lotto Max twice weekly.

“I called my kids and told them we were having a family meeting so I could tell all three together,” Vollenberg recalled.

“They couldn’t believe it…no one really believes me when I tell them at first.”

He says he intends to give part of the win to his children, while the remainder will be put aside for a new home and a family vacation.

The current Lotto Max jackpot is $40 million. The largest Canadian win on record went to Adlis Lewis of Brampton, ON., who took home $70 million.

*Note: Victoria Buzz is not affiliated with BC Lottery Corporation and does not advocate gambling or taking part in lotteries. If you choose to participate, remember to play responsibly.

A brand new facility for children with complex care needs will be opening in Vancouver, according to an announcement Monday morning.

According to health minister Adrian Dix, the health centre will be the first of its kind in Canada to offer a single-site, comprehensive range of supports for children with complex medical needs.

“The children’s complex care transition centre, operated by the BC Children’s Hospital, is an opportunity to show innovation by filling gaps in much-needed services and supports for children and young people with complex care needs and will be complementary to what is currently provided in acute care and community settings,” said Dix in a statement.

The treatment centre will be located at the current site of the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, which is on schedule to relocate to the main campus of the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals at the end of August 2020.

According to Dix, the facility will serve as a stepping-stone between acute hospital care, community care and home.

Services offered will range from assessment, examination, and treatment to education, training, and research, and will be available for patients up to age 19 and their families.

Training will also be available for parents and caregivers to help with care delivery at home, as well as supports for siblings.

The province will now begin mapping out the scope and budget for the project.

Victoria police are looking for witnesses after a stabbing in Centennial Square early this morning.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m Saturday morning.

Officers were in the area of Centennial Square when they noticed a man in medical distress walking in the roadway in the 1500-block of Douglas Street.

As officers spoke with him, they quickly realized he had been the victim of a stabbing.

Police believed the victims injuries were potentially life-threatening at the time and provided medical aid to him until paramedics arrived.

His injuries are now considered non-life-threatening.

Investigators determined that the stabbing occurred in Centennial Square.

No arrests have been made. This file remains under investigation.

Last week, two men were taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, following a confrontation in Centennial Square.

Police were called to the intersection of Government and Fisgard for a report that someone had been injured in a stabbing incident.

Officers arrived and provided medical aid to a man on scene who was suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

Five minutes later, police were called to a report of a second stabbing, this time in the 2000-block of Douglas St..

VicPD says the second stabbing was related to the first.

Officers responded to the second scene and provided medical aid to the man, who was suffering life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about any of the stabbings are asked to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

UPDATE: According to a Saanich Police update at 9:41 p.m., Bergstrom has been located and is safe.

Earlier: Saanich Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Fern Bergstrom.

The 76-year-old woman was last seen in the vicinity of Shelbourne Street and Feltham Road at around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21.

Police say Bergstrom may be confused about her whereabouts but will answer to her name.

Her family is extremely concerned for her well being and ask public to contact police immediately if she is found or if anyone has information on where she is.

Bergstrom is described as a Caucasian woman with short grey hair, who was last seen wearing a white top and green pants.

Anyone who sees her can contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.