With Island Health setting a new record on Wednesday, Jan. 13 for new COVID-19 cases, officials are reminding people in the region to adhere to protocols.

The Island had been doing well, by and large, since the pandemic arrived in B.C. last March, but there was concern about the potential for increased cases after the Christmas and New YearB次元官网网址檚 holidays. That has played out as the Island hit a high of 34 cases on Wednesday, breaking the previous record of 28, set on Jan. 6.

It is vital that Islanders remain vigilant, said Dr. Shannon Waters, medical health officer for the Cowichan Valley Region.

B次元官网网址淧eople are getting tired of the measures in place,B次元官网网址� Waters acknowledged. B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 really important right now, especially with the rising number of cases, that we stay the course.B次元官网网址�

Waters reminded people to limit social activity, wash their hands and wear masks when situations call for them, all of which are being done, from her experience.

B次元官网网址淲e see that being followed well,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淣early everyone I see when I go out is wearing a mask.B次元官网网址�

Anyone who feels sick should stay home and isolate, and arrange for a COVID test. In most cases, tests can be scheduled for the same day or the next day, and results are returned quickly. Resources are available for those who need to stay home and isolate with COVID.

B次元官网网址淲e are able to monitor individuals daily and see what support is needed while they are isolating,B次元官网网址� Waters said.

Like other health areas across B.C., Island Health is working with its partners to distribute vaccinations to its priority groups, which include rural and remote communities and people in long-term care B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址減laces where there might be more serious outcomes,B次元官网网址� Waters said.

Despite the strict measures, people should still take care of their mental and emotional health by going outside and moving their bodies. Social isolation can be addressed to some extent by connecting virtually, but physical exercise has benefits as well.

B次元官网网址淲ith respecting the public health measures, people can still go for a walk,B次元官网网址� Waters said. B次元官网网址淭he outdoors will still be accessible to us.B次元官网网址�

Waters also noted, as has been put forward time after time over the last 10 months, that we are all in this together.

B次元官网网址淐OVID-19 is something affecting all regions of the province, all parts of the world,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just about certain population groups. ItB次元官网网址檚 about all of us working together at this time.B次元官网网址�