Vancouver Island adds 96 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths in 24 hours

The new cases were among 405 cases found across the province over the past 24 hours.

The new cases were among 405 cases found across the province over the past 24 hours.

There are currently 3,071 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C., including 646 active cases in the Vancouver Island region, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

Island Health continues to have the second highest number of active cases in B.C., behind the Fraser Health region, where 990 cases are active Friday, according to the province.

Vancouver Island's top doctor told CTV News on Thursday that the island's recent surge in new and active cases was partly caused by a religious gathering in the Courtenay area last week.

Island Health data identified the locations of 577 active cases Friday, including 128 in the South Island, 248 in the Central Island and 201 in the North Island.

Six deaths related to COVID-19 were confirmed in B.C. over the past 24 hours, including two that occurred in the island region.

Three other deaths were reported in Fraser Health and one was in Vancouver Coastal Health.

Since the pandemic began, 2,351 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in B.C., including 124 deaths confirmed in the Island Health region.