4 new COVID-19 outbreaks declared in Fraser Health
The dramatic rise in the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in B.C. health-care facilities continued Wednesday, with Fraser Health announcing four new ones, including two in hospitals and two in long-term care homes.
None of the latest outbreaks were included in the provincial Ministry of Health's tally in its update on the pandemic Wednesday. The ministry said there were 21 active outbreaks in B.C. health-care facilities. The four new ones in Fraser Health bring the total to at least 25.
As recently as three weeks ago, there were no active coronavirus outbreaks in the province's care homes and hospitals.
The latest outbreaks in Fraser Health have been declared at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, George Derby Centre in Burnaby and White Rock Seniors Village in White Rock.
The Eagle Ridge outbreak is in an "acute care for elders unit," and four patients have tested positive so far, according to the health authority.
The Royal Columbian outbreak is in a medicine unit, and has seen a total of 12 people - eight patients and four staff members - test positive, Fraser Health said.
Both hospital outbreaks are limited to their respective units, which have been closed to admissions, the health authority said.
The George Derby outbreak has infected four residents and two staff members, while a total of 20 people - 10 residents and 10 staff - have tested positive at White Rock Seniors Village.
Fraser Health said all residents and staff members who have tested positive are now self-isolating, and added that it is working with the facilities to ensure adequate staffing is maintained as they deal with the outbreak.
The rapid rise in health-care outbreaks in B.C. has come alongside record-breaking case counts as the Omicron variant sweeps through the province
Last week, in response to the growing number of outbreaks, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reintroduced restrictions on visitors in long-term care facilities, limiting them to essential visits only.
Unlike previous visitation rules, the latest restrictions apply only to long-term care homes, not assisted-living facilities.
Asked for the rationale behind separating the two categories that have often been lumped together over the course of the pandemic, the ministry cited the different needs of residents in each setting.
"This order is based on evidence that indicates people living in long-term care typically have more complex health care needs, which typically makes them more vulnerable and (means they) may require more assistance on a daily basis," the ministry said in an emailed statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.