B.C. hospitalizations rising, records 593 COVID-19 cases

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C.’s COVID-19 case numbers have made a slight improvement over the last few days however, hospitalizations continue to be concerning.

Since Monday, 593 people tested positive for COVID-19 but no deaths were recorded in B.C.

In the Fraser Health region, there are 203 COVID-19 cases, 68 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, 128 in Interior Health, 107 in Island Health and 87 in Northern Health.

Meanwhile, the number of people in hospital went up to 345, which is a jump of almost 20 compared to Monday’s update (326 hospitalizations).

Another two people are in intensive care — for a total of 144.

Almost 82 per cent of British Columbians had both vaccine doses.

There has been one new healthcare facility outbreak at the University Hospital of Northern B.C.

There are 19 active outbreaks in B.C. healthcare facilities:

Long-term care: Willingdon Care Centre, Westminster House, The Residence in Mission, Magnolia Gardens, Manoah Manor and Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre (Fraser Health);
Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Vancouver Coastal Health); Cottonwoods Care Centre, The Hamlets at Westsyde, Joseph Creek Care Village, Overlander, Village by the Station (Interior Health); Wrinch Memorial Hospital, Jubilee Lodge (Northern Health); and Victoria Chinatown Care Centre (Island Health).

Acute care: University Hospital of Northern BC (Northern Health); and Royal Inland Hospital (Interior Health).

Assisted or Independent Living: Sunset Manor and Cooper Place (Vancouver Coastal Health).

Related Article: B.C. to mandate vaccines for visitors to long-term, acute care centres

Meanwhile, British Columbians who are immuno-compromised or clinically extremely vulnerable will soon be able to get a third dose of a COVID vaccine. This extension includes certain HIV/AIDS patients.

Also some immune deficiency issues, certain HIV/AIDS patients. DBH says public health hasbeen in contact with specialists treating people with the various reasons who are eligible third doses.#bcpoli @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN #covid19

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 5, 2021

Dr. Bonnie Henry says about 100,000 people moderately to severely immunocompromised will get an invitation to book their booster shot within the next week.

Meanwhile, B.C. is also giving 300,000 doses of mostly Moderna vaccine back to Ottawa because they aren’t being used here.

“These vaccines are not required at this time right now in B.C., and we still have a number of a large number of vaccines that are available to meet our needs over the next few months,” Henry says.

The doses will go to low and middle-income countries as part of Canada’s COVAX donation.

“It is incredibly important for all of us in B.C., and in Canada, or people around the world are vaccinated and protected against this virus that is the only way that we will get out of this global pandemic, and it’s important that we do our part to support that as well. We can be proud that we are doing that here in B.C.”

Ahead of Thanksgiving, Henry is urging British Columbians to “Please keep your group small.”

Henry is emphasizing that if older family members or immune-compromised members are invited to Thanksgiving, make sure everybody attending is fully vaccinated to protect everyone.

“We want to make sure these gatherings are a happy occurrence and not a cause for virus transmission and illness in the coming weeks,” Henry said.

“We’ve learned that this virus, especially the [Delta] strain that we’re seeing causing illness here in B.C. right now, and across Canada … is not only is way more transmissible, but it is causing more severe illness in younger people, and we see that every day in our ICU’s here now, in our hospitals, in the number of people who have severe illness, and sadly in the number of deaths that we’re seeing.”