COVID-19 in B.C.: Less than 5 per cent of cases are among fully vaccinated people, officials say
Just a small fraction of B.C.'s recent COVID-19 cases are among people who are fully vaccinated, health officials announced Tuesday.
During a morning news conference Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed that less than five per cent of COVID-19 cases are people who have received two vaccine doses. B.C.'s top doctor spoke alongside Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Penny Ballem.
"Ninety-six per cent are people who have received just one dose (or less) or, 78 per cent, are among people who have not been vaccinated at all," Henry said, adding that data shows that people who have received two doses are "significantly less likely to be hospitalized or to have severe illness."
"This compares to the high rate of COVID among unvaccinated but eligible people here in B.C."
Data presented by Henry showed among 176 total people hospitalized because of COVID-19, about 137 people were completely unvaccinated. The median age of those hospitalized was 52, she said.
"This is why it is extremely important that we all get both doses of vaccine," Henry said.
Ballem said according to data collected on July 23, 19.6 per cent of eligible British Columbians remain unvaccinated. Northern and Interior Health authorities have the highest rates of unvaccinated residents, with 32.5 and 26.2 per cent, respectively.
In presenting the data, officials said vaccine distribution must be convenient for residents and announced doses will soon be available at walk-in clinics.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.