Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. COVID-19 hospitalizations up 58% in two weeks, as infections, deaths also spike

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Oct, 2023 05:53 PM
  • B.C. COVID-19 hospitalizations up 58% in two weeks, as infections, deaths also spike

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in British Columbia, with the BC Centre for Disease Control reporting hospitalizations have increased 58 per cent in the past two weeks.

The centre says in its latest update that deaths due to COVID-19 are also trending upwards, with 24 fatalities in the last week of September, compared to nine in the second week of August. 

It says new infections rose from 133 cases to 877 cases in the same period, having "increased notably" among people 60 and older. 

There were 422 people in hospital with COVID-19 on Thursday, compared to 267 on Sept. 21, and over the same time period, the number in critical care rose from 17 to 26. 

The centre says COVID-19 levels detected in wastewater are up at every monitored treatment plant in the province, coinciding with the spike in new cases.

The latest numbers also show more people aged 80 and older have been getting tested for COVID-19 over the last few weeks, with nearly 35 per cent of those coming out positive in the last week of September. 

The Fraser Health Authority says there are COVID-19 outbreaks at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, Surrey Memorial Hospital and Chilliwack General Hospital. 

Victoria General Hospital also declared a COVID-19 outbreak on Oct. 2, Island Health says. 

The CDC says cold and flu activity remain "below pre-pandemic historical levels," though there has been a recent increase in enterovirus and rhinovirus activity. Levels of respiratory syncytial virus are also low and at levels comparable to before the pandemic.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced last week that mask mandates were returning to health-care settings across B.C. during the respiratory illness season.

The province also announced the rollout of COVID-19 boosters and flu shots, with people most at risk of severe illnesses able to start booking vaccine appointments early this month, and invitations to others beginning Oct. 10.

Health Canada approved new COVID-19 vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna last month. 

Henry said last week that receiving vaccines this month will protect against winter illnesses, offering people the "best protection during the period of time when the risk is greatest."

She said the renewed mask mandate at medical facilities and care homes will be enforced, and made an "appeal" to people's "better natures" to follow them as a protective measure. 

"I encourage everybody to take that point of view and to make sure that you're doing your part," she said. "It protects you and it protects those around you."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Novavax touts non-mRNA COVID vaccine, future of domestic production remains uncertain

Novavax touts non-mRNA COVID vaccine, future of domestic production remains uncertain
The last remaining manufacturer to offer an alternative to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Canada is boasting about the importance of having several available vaccine options — though the company is providing little certainty about its ability to manufacture the shot domestically.  The new formulation is awaiting Health Canada approval.  

Novavax touts non-mRNA COVID vaccine, future of domestic production remains uncertain

Vancouver housing market more balanced after spring and summer slowdown: board

Vancouver housing market more balanced after spring and summer slowdown: board
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says a jump in new listings is helping to bring some balance back to the region's housing market. The board says September sales totalled 1,926, a 13.2 per cent increase from the 1,701 sales recorded the same month last year. But the total was 26.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average of 2,614 and marked a 16.1 per cent drop from 2,296 sales in August.

Vancouver housing market more balanced after spring and summer slowdown: board

How rate hikes have sparked debate on the causes of inflation and how to fight it

How rate hikes have sparked debate on the causes of inflation and how to fight it
Central banks have been trying their best to convince the public that their interest rate hikes are ultimately for the greater good.  But not everyone is buying it.  An informal coalition of labour groups, political leaders and economists has formed over the last year and a half to challenge the very economic concepts behind monetary policy. 

How rate hikes have sparked debate on the causes of inflation and how to fight it

Manitoba NDP to form majority government in historic win for First Nations premier

Manitoba NDP to form majority government in historic win for First Nations premier
Kinew's late father was not allowed to vote as a young man under Canadian law at the time. His mother's birthday was election night, and he brought her onstage to celebrate the historic win along with his wife and three sons. The NDP's victory also brought the resignation of the other two main party leaders.

Manitoba NDP to form majority government in historic win for First Nations premier

Accident at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver kills heavy equipment operator

Accident at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver kills heavy equipment operator
An industrial accident at the Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver has killed one person. West Vancouver police say it happened Tuesday. They say the operator of a front-end loader was caught under the rig as it overturned.

Accident at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver kills heavy equipment operator

Man charged for mischief: BCPS

Man charged for mischief: BCPS
The B-C Prosecution Service says a man has been charged with eight counts of mischief related to vandalism in Vancouver's Chinatown neighbourhood. The service says seven counts are related to graffiti, including three incidents on cultural property, and one is related to the defacing of a war memorial.

Man charged for mischief: BCPS