COVID-19 cases remain high in B.C. with 407 infections, 14 deaths

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Health officials warn that transmission of COVID-19 is happening the most when British Columbians are outside their bubbles, as the province reports another 14 lives have been lost because of the virus in the last day.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, in a joint statement with Health Minister Adrian Dix, says the total number of deaths reached 1,168 Tuesday. Another 407 new infections were confirmed.

RELATED: B.C. warns more COVID-19 restrictions possible, says current fines ‘working well’

“The number of new daily cases of COVID-19 is much higher than we want it to be. We are asking for everyone’s help to bend our curve back down. This is especially critical with the presence of variant viruses in our province,” reads the statement.

BC’s #covid19 update Jan 26
The bad:
Deaths/day still high (10+/day & up a smidge today)
Like last week new cases going up again after a Mon dip
VCH double what new cases were yesterday
Island still high 20+/day
The good:
Active cases & ppl isolated coming down.#bcpoli @NEWS1130 https://t.co/l5caTcWWpv pic.twitter.com/WnvKZwR9OE

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 26, 2021

On Monday, Henry said there were five cases of the variant connected to the U.K., which were all either linked to travel or a close contact of a traveller.

There are three cases of the South African variant, all transmitted in the community, which she said was concerning.

There weren’t any new outbreaks in healthcare on Tuesday, and the one at German Canadian Benevolent Society Home has ended.

Of local #COVID19 cases
14,534 in VCH (+124)
38,985 FH (+169)
1,428 Island (+22)
5,670 Interior (+54)
3,085 Northern Health (+38)
133 non-Canadian residents

(+/-) = change from last report

— Lasia Kretzel (@lkretzel1130) January 26, 2021

The number of patients hospitalized because of the virus is at 313, with 71 of them in critical care.

Eleven more people at Big White Mountain near Kelowna have tested positive for COVID-19.

The total case count is up to 225 since the “cluster” was declared in December with 21 still labelled as active.

Interior Health is reporting only three new cases are people who live or work at the resort.

Since immunizations against the virus started in B.C., 122,359 doses have been administered.

RELATED: B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccine supply temporarily ‘dramatically reduced’

Even with vaccines underway, Henry and Dix say with every new case of COVID-19, there is a chance to stop the virus from spreading.

“Our greatest source of transmission comes from when we spend time with those outside of our household, work or school bubble. That is why staying small and equally important, avoiding all unnecessary travel, is what we need to do right now.”

They remind anyone who may have strayed away from health orders that it isn’t too late to change course.

“For the many who have been doing your part, you may be asking, ‘What more can I do?’ Be the voice of support and encouragement for those who may be wavering in their resolve.”