Hundreds of cases, but few deaths so far in latest wave of COVID-19 outbreaks at B.C. care homes
The number of COVID-19 outbreaks in B.C.'s health-care system has exploded in recent weeks, but so far, relatively few deaths have been connected to the Omicron-driven surge.
Weekly outbreak data published by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control on Thursday shows that, of 39 outbreaks in long-term care homes that were active as of Tuesday morning, only four had seen any deaths.
A total of seven residents have died in outbreaks at Agecare Harmony Court Care Centre, George Derby Centre, Fraserview Intermediate Care Lodge and St. Vincent's Langara Long Term Care. Four of the deaths happened at Agecare Harmony Court, while the other facilities saw one death each.
B.C. has seen a rapid increase in the number of outbreaks in long-term care facilities during the Omicron wave. As of Thursday, there were 53 active outbreaks in health-care settings in the province, including 43 in long-term care homes.
As recently as Dec. 22, there were no active health-care outbreaks anywhere in B.C.
The 39 care home outbreaks captured in this week's BCCDC update have a total of 724 infections associated with them.
The largest one, at the Oxford Senior Care Home in Abbotsford, has seen 59 people test positive - 31 residents and 28 staff members. No deaths are associated with that outbreak.
Most of the other outbreaks on the list have seen between 10 and 30 total cases, and no deaths.
Hundreds of care home residents have died in outbreaks since the pandemic began. The vulnerable population was a priority for B.C.'s initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and was among the first groups to be offered booster doses this fall.
Though most of the people contracting the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are vaccinated, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has credited vaccines for the milder illness most of them have experienced.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.