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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.