More B.C. hospitals could be overwhelmed if infection rates don't come down, say experts
A surge of COVID-19 cases in the Central Okanagan has forced some elective surgeries to be rescheduled, and experts are warning that other hospitals could see the same thing if a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases continue.
Interior Health says Kelowna General Hospital is seeing a high number of COVID-19 positive patients due to the outbreak in the region.
“Some elective surgeries have been rescheduled to manage capacity at the hospital,” says a spokesperson for Interior Health in an emailed statement to CTV News.
“Affected patients are being notified directly to reschedule their procedure.”
B.C.’s top doctor adds COVID infections are causing staffing issues at the hospital.
“There have been a number of healthcare workers who have been affected by COVID, and that has put additional challenges particularly on Kelowna General Hospital,” says Dr. Bonnie Henry.
A group of independent COVID-19 modellers suggest more hospitals could soon be overwhelmed by an influx of COVID-19 patients, if cases don’t start coming down.
“There are unfortunately enough people who are not protected by vaccination, that if COVID continues to spread among them, with the occasional breakthrough infection, then yes, we could overwhelm our healthcare system again,” says Caroline Colijn, infectious disease modeller and Simon Fraser University math professor.
Colijn says the central Okanagan is not the only part of B.C. seeing rising case numbers.
“We’re actually seeing growth across B.C.”
According to data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, cases are climbing in each of the province’s health authorities. Seventy-two per cent of eligible British Columbians are fully vaccinated, however researchers say that’s not good enough to stop the spread of the more easily transmissible Delta variant.
“If I had to pick a number I would say we should be getting 90 per cent of people who are eligible vaccinated,” says Colijn.
Data from Colijn and her fellow COVID-19 modellers suggest the province could record more than 1,000 new daily cases by September. If so, researchers say more hospitals would be strained.
She says the best way to prevent that is to get more British Columbians vaccinated, which involves an approved vaccine for children under 12 years old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.