B.C. reports 13 COVID-19 deaths, 649 cases in final update of the week
Another 649 cases of COVID-19 and 13 related deaths have been recorded across British Columbia, the Ministry of Health announced Friday in its final update of the week.
The latest numbers left the province's seven-day average for new infections at 638 per day and the seven-day average for fatalities at 7.7 per day.
B.C.'s case average remains the second highest of any province or territory in Canada, behind Alberta.
There are now 5,106 active cases of COVID-19 across the province with 365 infectious patients in hospital, including 143 in intensive care. The government does not provide the number of non-infectious coronavirus patients who remain in hospital on a daily basis.
The unvaccinated continue to make up the majority of infections and hospitalizations, despite making up less than 20 per cent of B.C.'s population – including those who are under the age of 12 and therefor ineligible for any of the approved vaccines.
A table provided by Health Minister Adrian Dix on Twitter indicates 83 per cent of ICU patients haven't received a single dose of vaccine, including 20 of the 21 patients who are under the age of 40.
According to the ministry, the unvaccinated were infected at a rate of 311.3 cases per 100,000 population between Oct. 14 and 20, after adjusting for age. The fully vaccinated were infected at a rate of 36.7 per 100,000.
The unvaccinated were hospitalized at a rate of 55.7 cases per 100,000 population from Oct. 7 to 20, after adjusting for age, compared to 2.3 per 100,000 among the vaccinated.
So far, 89.4 per cent of eligible B.C. residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 83.9 per cent have received both.
Earlier this week, officials revealed that cases among unvaccinated school-aged children, which saw a dramatic increase after the start of the fall semester, have been coming back down. The case rate remains higher than any other age group, however.
Next week, health officials are lifting capacity limits for most regions of the province, meaning that events such as Vancouver Canucks games can sell out every seat, provided that everyone inside is vaccinated. Limits will remain in place for Fraser East and parts of Interior Health and Northern Health, which are under targeted local COVID-19 restrictions.
The government had no new outbreaks in health-care facilities to announce Friday, and the one in Cooper Place has ended, leaving 25 active outbreaks across B.C.'s health-care system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.