COVID-19 update: B.C. reports 758 cases, 10 deaths, surging hospitalizations
Another 10 people have died from COVID-19 in British Columbia, the province announced Thursday along with 758 new cases and a further increase in hospitalizations.
The latest update from the Ministry of Health leaves B.C.'s seven-day average for coronavirus-related deaths at 7.29 per day, and the seven-day average for infections at 584 per day.
Four of the deceased lived in the Fraser Health region, four lived in the Interior Health region, and two lived in the Northern Health region.
On Twitter, Health Minister Adrian Dix offered condolences to the "families, friends and caregivers of those who have died as a result of COVID-19."
The number of patients in hospital climbed to 434, which is up 15 per cent from last Thursday and represents the highest number of hospitalizations the province has seen since May 9.
The government said a change in surveillance data reporting in the Interior Health Authority this week caused a one-time increase in hospitalization numbers, but did not provide a specific number or any further explanation.
The number of hospitalizations includes 155 patients in intensive care.
The Ministry of Health said the unvaccinated continue to represent the majority of cases, hospitalizations and ICU visits, despite making up less than one-fifth of B.C.'s population.
Nearly 85 per cent of current ICU patients haven't received a single dose of vaccine, including all 43 patients who are under the age of 50.
The province said unvaccinated residents were hospitalized at a rate of 57 patients per 100,000 population between Oct. 13 and 26 after adjusting for age, compared to 2.6 patients per 100,000 population among the fully vaccinated.
As of Thursday, 89.8 per cent of eligible residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 84.9 per cent have received two.
The province's high vaccination rate was cited in this week's report from the B.C. COVID-19 Modelling Group, which predicted gradual declines in case numbers across all health authorities over the next three weeks.
The drop is expected to be less dramatic in the Northern Health region, which has a lower vaccination rate than the rest of the province and is currently seeing the highest rates of transmission. The latest cases were distributed as follows:
- Northern Health – 133 cases, a rate of 46.8 per 100,000 population
- Fraser Health – 329 cases, a rate of 17.3 per 100,000 population
- Island Health – 114 cases, a rate of 13.3 per 100,000 population
- Interior Health – 108 cases, a rate of 13 per 100,000 population
- Vancouver Coastal Health – 74 cases, a rate of 6.2 per 100,000 population
Officials also announced one new health-care facility outbreak at Tabor Manor, bringing the total number of active outbreaks in B.C.'s health-care system to 33. Most of those are in in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.