B.C. COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to decline, 17 weekend deaths reported

B.C.’s COVID-related hospitalization and ICU numbers are moving in the right direction, though more than a dozen people have died since Friday.

Over the weekend, 17 deaths were recorded in B.C., nine of which were in Interior Health. Three people died in Vancouver Coastal Health, two in each of Northern Health and Island Health, and one in Fraser Health.

There are now 803 people listed as hospitalized with COVID-19, down from 846 on Friday. Of those, 119 are in intensive care, down from 136.

The province is reporting 2,701 new cases, though the actual number is much higher due to testing restrictions introduced after demand severely outweighed supply.

On Tuesday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is set to outline details of easing COVID restrictions in B.C. The current measures related to gatherings and venue capacities expire at the end of Wednesday.

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Over the weekend, 3,351 people received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Of British Columbians aged five and up 90.4 per cent have received at least one dose and 85.3 per cent have received a second. Among adults, 55.3 per cent have received a third.

According to the province, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 23.8 per cent of cases between Feb. 4 and Feb. 10. They also accounted for 31.2 per cent of hospitalizations from Jan. 28 to Feb. 10.

COVID-19 outbreaks at eight B.C. health-care facilities have been declared over. There are now 39 with ongoing outbreaks.