B.C. COVID-19 update: Number of ICU patients reaches 12-week high
The number of COVID-19 patients in B.C. intensive care units has reached a 12-week high, the government revealed Tuesday.
Of the 985 test-positive patients hospitalized across the province, 144 are in ICU – an increase of 15 from Monday. The last time that number topped 140 was Halloween.
Total hospitalizations reached an all-time record of 987 this week, though that number is considered an "overestimate" of COVID-19's impact, as it includes all incident cases in which a patient is admitted to hospital for reasons unrelated to the virus and tests positive during routine screening.
The Ministry of Health also announced one new death related to COVID-19 on Tuesday, well below the average of nearly nine per day recorded over the last week.
Another 1,446 cases have been confirmed over the last 24 hours, bringing the provincial total to 314,522, though officials have shifted their focus from daily infection numbers, as most healthy British Columbians are no longer advised to get tested if they believe they are sick.
Earlier in the day, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the government suspects transmission is decreasing, based on test-positivity and other surveillance data. Most people are also experiencing mild symptoms, something officials have credited in part to B.C.'s high vaccination rate.
"We know that vaccines make a difference, a tremendous difference," Henry said. "Now, of course, there's more and more data that shows the booster doses also protect against infection, even with Omicron."
Officials also announced they are extending the B.C. Vaccine Card program until June 30, though Henry said it could end earlier if circumstances improve. The system requires proof of vaccination for a variety of activities, including going to the movies and dining in restaurants.
"As we move through this period, it will, I expect, no longer be necessary. But right now, it is one of those important tools we have," she said.
So far, 89.6 per cent of eligible B.C. residents age five and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 83.6 per cent have received two. Among adults, 44.2 per cent have also received a booster dose.
The latest cases indicate transmission remains high in every B.C. health authority, though some are experiencing a higher rate than others. Northern Health recorded 147 of the cases announced Tuesday, which translates into 48.6 infections per 100,000 residents – the highest rate in the province.
Interior Health recorded 319 cases, or 38.9 per 100,000 residents. Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Island Health saw rates of 24.8, 26, and 18.8 per 100,000 residents, respectively.
There were no new health-care facility outbreaks announced Tuesday, and one has been declared over, leaving 63 across the province. Most of the active outbreaks are in long-term care homes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.