B.C. reports 13 COVID-19 deaths, another jump in hospitalizations
The B.C. government has announced 13 more deaths related to COVID-19, along with another jump in test-positive patients in hospital.
Wednesday's update from the Ministry of Health continues the trends of increasing fatalities and hospitalizations that have been recorded in the province for weeks.
B.C.'s seven-day average for coronavirus-related deaths has now reached 7.14 per day, which is the highest it's been since Nov. 16. The average was holding steady at around 1.29 per day at the beginning of the year.
Six of the deaths were recorded in the Fraser Health region, four were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, two were in the Island Health region and one was in the Interior Health region.
Meanwhile, the number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 has increased to 895, up from 854 on Tuesday. That includes 115 patients in intensive care.
Overall hospitalization numbers are now considered an "overestimate" of COVID-19's immediate impact on the health-care system, as the province switched to a new system of reporting that includes all so-called incidental cases – people who were in hospital for reasons unrelated to the virus but tested positive during routine screening.
Officials have said approximately 45 per cent of COVID-19 hospitalizations are likely incidental, based on a case study conducted in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.
All cases involving patients still put additional strain on hospital resources, however, and can spread to doctors and nurses, forcing them off the job and exacerbating staffing shortages.
The Ministry of Health also announced five more outbreaks in care homes and acute care facilities, at Joseph Creek Care Village, Eagle Ridge Manor, Sidney All Care, Sunrise of Victoria and Comox Valley Seniors Village. Two others were declared over, leaving 56 active outbreaks across B.C.'s health-care system – most at long-term care homes.
It's possible the recent resurgence in outbreaks is connected to the surge in COVID-19 deaths – provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry noted this week that people over the age of 70 remain at higher risk of severe outcomes than the general population, even if they are vaccinated. That's partly because people's immune systems become less responsive as they age, Henry said.
Officials still recommend vaccination for all eligible age groups, as it has shown to drastically reduce the chance of hospitalization, intensive care admission, and death.
Another 2,387 cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday as well, though daily infection numbers are not currently believed to accurately capture transmission in the province. Because testing capacity has been stretched to its limits during the Omicron wave, officials have started recommending that young, healthy people who experience mild symptoms forego testing and begin self-isolation instead.
Officials have said they believe B.C.'s COVID-19 transmission has already peaked and started to decrease, however, pointing to ongoing monitoring of the virus in wastewater.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.