COVID-19 cases slowly increasing in Metro Vancouver, wastewater tests confirm

The latest results of wastewater tests of Metro Vancouver treatment facilities show COVID-19 cases are slowly increasing, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said.

According to the centre, tests coincide with the seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases, also on the upward trend.

Last week, the BCCDC reported 17 deaths among patients within 30 days of testing positive for COVID-19.

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The agency further reported 539 COVID-19 cases, and 140 new hospital admissions, including 33 in critical care.

Wastewater is collected and tested three times a week, and results are posted every Friday.

Metro Vancouver works closely with the BCCDC and the University of British Columbia to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the region’s wastewater.

“BC is seeing an increase in illness and hospitalizations in kids due to the flu. Only 20% of kids under 5 have been vaccinated. Help protect your loved ones.” @BCGovNews

For info on how to #GetVaccinated, go here: https://t.co/Z4jxnE4Bog pic.twitter.com/gkDLYPgpMU

— Pacific Public Health Foundation (@pacpublichealth) December 9, 2022

The steady rise of COVID cases in B.C. comes amidst the surge of Influenza-related illnesses in the province, which to date saw the death of six kids – one child under five, three aged five to nine, and two youths aged 15 to 19 years.

The BCCDC says the province is experiencing an unusual season for respiratory illnesses with “unusual characteristics,” including an intense early surge in cases and the flu-related deaths of children and youth.