B.C. reports 1,846 cases of COVID-19, 26 related deaths over 72 hours
Another 1,846 cases of COVID-19 and 26 related deaths have been recorded across British Columbia over the last 72 hours, according to the Ministry of Health.
The latest update, provided in a written statement Monday afternoon, pushed the province's seven-day average for coronavirus infections to 583 per day, up from 563 on Friday.
Overall, that figure has been trending downward in recent weeks, though fatality numbers have not.
B.C.'s seven-day average for COVID-19 deaths increased to 8.43 per day on Monday, the highest it's been since Feb. 3.
Ten of the latest victims lived in the Fraser Health region, while five each lived in the Interior Health and Northern Health regions, and three each lived in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Island Health regions.
Fraser Health also recorded the highest number of cases over the weekend, with 737, though it's worth noting the health authorities have vastly different populations. Northern Health's 406 cases translates to 142.8 infections per 100,000 population, compared to 38.6 infections per 100,000 population in Fraser Health.
Vancouver Coastal Health saw the lowest rate of infection, with 17.8 cases per 100,000 population.
The number of infectious COVID-19 patients in hospital, which hasn't dipped below 300 since mid-September, decreased slightly to 360, including 151 in intensive care.
Once again, the government's statistics indicate the majority of B.C.'s cases and hospitalizations involve people who are either unvaccinated against COVID-19 or only partially vaccinated.
"88 per cent of those in critical care today due to COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated," Health Minister Adrian Dix said on Twitter.
The unvaccinated account for 86 per cent of coronavirus-positive patients in ICU, including 25 of the 26 patients who are under the age of 40. They also account for 68 per cent of all cases recorded across the province over the past two weeks.
The numbers are particularly striking given that the unvaccinated make up a small minority of British Columbians, accounting for less than 20 per cent of the population, including the young children who are currently ineligible for any of the approved vaccines.
According to the Ministry of Health, the unvaccinated were infected at a rate of 268 cases per 100,000 people from Oct. 8 to 14, compared to 29.4 cases per 100,000 people among the fully vaccinated.
As of Monday, 89.2 per cent of those eligible have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 83.4 per cent have received both. More than eight million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across B.C. so far, with some of those going to non-residents.
Officials also announced four new COVID-19 outbreaks in health-care facilities, at Queens Park Centre in New Westminster, Heritage Village in Chilliwack, Menno Terrace West in Abbotsford, and Amica Lions Gate in West Vancouver. Another outbreak at Joseph Creek Care Village ended, leaving 22 active outbreaks across B.C.'s health-care system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A man was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.