B.C. adds 609 cases of COVID-19, 6 deaths as hospitalizations climb again
The B.C. government has announced 609 new cases of COVID-19 and six related deaths, along with another increase in coronavirus hospitalizations.
Wednesday's update, provided in a written statement from the Ministry of Health, pushed the province's seven-day average for infections down to 578 cases per day. That average has been gradually decreasing since last Thursday, when it was at 640 cases per day.
Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has been surging, reaching a five-month high of 390 on Tuesday and increasing further to 422 on Wednesday. That includes 157 patients in intensive care.
Some of that increase appears to be linked to a change in reporting, though officials did not provide much detail on the impact of the switch.
The Ministry of Health said the Interior Health Authority changed the "primary source of COVID-19 hospitalization surveillance data" this week, which caused a one-time increase in patient numbers.
"This change is retrospective to the beginning of the pandemic though primarily affects cases reported since August 2021," the ministry said in its statement. No further details on the nature of the change were given.
Any increase in hospitalizations would be poorly timed this week, after more than 4,000 health-care workers were placed on unpaid leave for failing to receive even a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Those unvaccinated workers represent about three per cent of health-care employees who are under the new mandate.
While they are a small minority in the system, there have been concerns about how their absence will affect staffing levels and morale – though Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry have been quick to note that COVID-19 outbreaks in health-care settings have a serious impact as well.
Across the province, 89.7 per cent of eligible residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 84.7 per cent have received both.
Even though the unvaccinated make up fewer than 20 per cent of the provincial population, including those who are too young to be vaccinated, they consistently make up the majority of cases, hospitalizations and patients in ICU.
The Northern Health Authority, which has been trailing other regions in vaccinations, has also regularly been recording the highest number of infections per capita. The latest cases were distributed as follows:
- Northern Health – 126 cases, a rate of 44.3 per 100,000 population
- Interior Health – 92 cases, a rate of 11.1 per 100,000 population
- Fraser Health – 257 cases, a rate of 13.5 per 100,000 population
- Island Health – 55 cases, a rate of 6.4 per 100,000 population
- Vancouver Coastal Health – 79 cases, a rate of 6.1 per 100,000 population
Another 700 people have also recovered from COVID-19, leaving the province's active caseload at 4,748, down from 4,829 on Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.