COVID-19 in B.C.: Final case update of the week reveals 405 new infections, 6 deaths
In the final COVID-19 update of the week, B.C.'s health ministry announced 405 more people tested positive for the disease over the past 24 hours.
The update, released in a written statement in the afternoon, also said six more people died from the coronavirus since Thursday. Three of those deaths happened in the Fraser Health region, two were in Island Health and the sixth was in Vancouver Coastal Health.
Friday's new case count pushed the province's rolling seven-day average up slightly to 354. On Thursday, it was 345.
The province's active caseload also rose slightly, from 3,020 to 3,071. Earlier this week, the province's active caseload dropped below 3,000 for the first time in three months.
Of those active cases, 276 people are in hospital and 95 are in intensive care. Both of those numbers are slightly lower from Thursday.
Fraser Health recorded the most new cases (110) in Friday's update. Interior Health had the second most with 97, though Island Health wasn't far behind with 96. Northern Health added 57 cases and Vancouver Coastal Health counted 45.
One new health-care facility outbreak was announced at Ponderosa Lodge, which is in the Interior. In total, five health-care facilities in the province are managing active outbreaks, the health ministry's update said.
By percentages, B.C.'s vaccine rates appeared nearly unchanged between Thursday's and Friday's updates. As of Friday, 85.1 per cent of eligible people aged five and older in B.C. had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. On Thursday, that figure was 85 per cent. However, that slight increase actually represented nearly 6,000 people getting their first shot in a 24-hour period.
Just over 3,000 people aged five and older got their second shot during that time period, meaning 81.8 per cent of eligible people in the province have had both doses.
Since the province just started administering vaccines to those between the ages of five and 11 on Monday, the vast majority of those who have been vaccinated in the province are aged 12 and older.
Among that older group, 91.2 per cent of B.C. residents have received at least one dose, and 88 per cent have received two shots. Approximately 11 per cent, or 468,509 people, have received a third dose.
Vaccinated people are still significantly less likely than unvaccinated people to contract COVID-19 and to be hospitalized in B.C.
While those who haven't received a single vaccine dose make up less than 20 per cent of B.C.'s total population, they made up 54 per cent of the cases counted between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1. They also made up 61.4 per cent of hospitalizations between Nov. 18 and Dec. 1.
Officials in B.C. are closely monitoring all new COVID-19 infections in the province to determine whether they were infected with the newest variant of concern, Omicron.
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.
So far, just one Omicron case has been announced in B.C.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.