COVID-19 in B.C.: 368 test positive, 5 more deaths announced
Another 368 COVID-19 infections have been recorded in B.C., the province's health ministry announced Thursday.
The update, released in a written statement, also announced five more coronavirus-related deaths.
Thursday's update brought B.C. back over 3,000 active cases of COVID-19, with 3,020. Earlier this week, the province's active caseload dropped below 3,000 for the first time in three months.
Though active cases were up, the rolling seven-day average for new cases dropped slightly on Thursday, to 345 from 353.
There are 284 infectious COVID-19 patients in B.C. hospitals, including 97 who are in intensive care units.
The latest numbers were released as Canada's federal and provincial governments brace for the impact of the concerning new Omicron variant, which has already appeared in several provinces, including B.C.
Experts have noted the variant has an alarmingly high number of mutations, though it remains unclear how they will affect transmissibility, severity of illness and possible vaccine resistance.
As of Thursday, 85 per cent of eligible people ages five and older in B.C. had received at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 81.8 per cent had received their second dose.
The vast majority of those who have been vaccinated are over age 12. The province just started administering vaccines to those between the ages of five and 11 on Monday.
Among those 12 and older, 91.2 per cent of B.C. residents have received at least one dose, and 87.9 per cent have received two shots. Approximately 10 per cent - some 452,593 people - have received a third dose.
Vaccinated people continue to be significantly less likely than unvaccinated people to contract COVID-19 and to be hospitalized in B.C.
Those who have not received any vaccine doses account for less than 20 per cent of the total population in B.C., but made up more than half (54 per cent) of new cases recorded from Nov. 24 to 30.
Likewise, unvaccinated people accounted for 64.5 per cent of new hospitalizations between Nov. 17 and 30, according to the ministry.
The largest share of Thursday's cases was found in the Interior Health region, where 101 new infections were recorded.
Fraser Health added 90 cases, Island Health 88, Vancouver Coastal Health 48 and Northern Health 40.
Three of the five deaths recorded Thursday were in Fraser Health, while the other two were in Northern Health.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.