B.C. COVID-19 update: Number of ICU patients reaches 12-week high
The number of COVID-19 patients in B.C. intensive care units has reached a 12-week high, the government revealed Tuesday.
Of the 985 test-positive patients hospitalized across the province, 144 are in ICU – an increase of 15 from Monday. The last time that number topped 140 was Halloween.
Total hospitalizations reached an all-time record of 987 this week, though that number is considered an "overestimate" of COVID-19's impact, as it includes all incident cases in which a patient is admitted to hospital for reasons unrelated to the virus and tests positive during routine screening.
The Ministry of Health also announced one new death related to COVID-19 on Tuesday, well below the average of nearly nine per day recorded over the last week.
Another 1,446 cases have been confirmed over the last 24 hours, bringing the provincial total to 314,522, though officials have shifted their focus from daily infection numbers, as most healthy British Columbians are no longer advised to get tested if they believe they are sick.
Earlier in the day, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the government suspects transmission is decreasing, based on test-positivity and other surveillance data. Most people are also experiencing mild symptoms, something officials have credited in part to B.C.'s high vaccination rate.
"We know that vaccines make a difference, a tremendous difference," Henry said. "Now, of course, there's more and more data that shows the booster doses also protect against infection, even with Omicron."
Officials also announced they are extending the B.C. Vaccine Card program until June 30, though Henry said it could end earlier if circumstances improve. The system requires proof of vaccination for a variety of activities, including going to the movies and dining in restaurants.
"As we move through this period, it will, I expect, no longer be necessary. But right now, it is one of those important tools we have," she said.
So far, 89.6 per cent of eligible B.C. residents age five and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 83.6 per cent have received two. Among adults, 44.2 per cent have also received a booster dose.
The latest cases indicate transmission remains high in every B.C. health authority, though some are experiencing a higher rate than others. Northern Health recorded 147 of the cases announced Tuesday, which translates into 48.6 infections per 100,000 residents – the highest rate in the province.
Interior Health recorded 319 cases, or 38.9 per 100,000 residents. Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Island Health saw rates of 24.8, 26, and 18.8 per 100,000 residents, respectively.
There were no new health-care facility outbreaks announced Tuesday, and one has been declared over, leaving 63 across the province. Most of the active outbreaks are in long-term care homes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My little love is now flying high': Families pay tribute to Texas school shooting victims
Families are sharing photos and stories of their loved ones, who lost their lives in a mass shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 children and two adults on Tuesday afternoon.

Beto O'Rourke confronts Gov. Abbott on shooting: 'This is on you'
A news conference about the shooting at a Texas elementary school broke into shouting Wednesday as Democratic gunbernatotrial candidate Beto O'Rourke blamed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for inaction ahead of the latest in a long string of mass shootings in the state.
'Not parent expected': When a DNA test brings distressing results
While genealogical DNA tests may be marketed as harmless and exciting way for people to learn more about their ancestral heritage, CTVNews.ca speaks with a Canadian researcher who says more support is needed for those who get unexpected results that have potential to disrupt family relations.
Here's how to watch tonight's French Conservative leadership debate
Later tonight, the six candidates on the ballot to be the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada will be debating each other in Laval, Que. CTV News will be live-streaming the debate with English translation and offering real-time updates and analysis, and you can follow along.
Depp retakes witness stand, calls Heard's allegations 'insane'
Johnny Depp called his ex-wife's accusations of sexual and physical abuse 'insane' Wednesday as he returned to the witness stand in his libel suit against Amber Heard.
Governor: Texas gunman said he was going to shoot up school
The gunman who massacred 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas had warned in online messages minutes before the attack that he had shot his grandmother and was going to shoot up a school, the governor said Wednesday.
'My heart breaks': Trudeau reacts to Texas elementary school shooting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his 'heart breaks' for those impacted by the 'horrific' shooting at an elementary school in Texas that killed 21 people on Tuesday.
Monkeypox in Canada: PHAC now confirms 15 cases countrywide
With Quebec confirming an additional 10 cases of monkeypox identified in the province, the Public Health Agency of Canada says they are monitoring a total of 15 cases across the country.
Clean up, power restoration efforts underway after destructive Ontario storm
Crews are working to restore power to more than 150,000 Ontario customers who are still without hydro after a deadly storm swept through the province on Saturday.