Upward trend continues as B.C. records 832 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 more deaths

B.C. health officials announced 832new cases of COVID-19 and 5more deaths on Thursday.

In a written statement, the provincesaid there are currently 5,697active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.

The government noted in the same statement the numberof total and new cases it is providing are provisional due to a delayed data refresh and would be verified once confirmed.

A total of 330people are in hospital, with 148in intensive care.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, areup13per cent from last Thursday, when 291people were in hospital with the disease and about 148per cent from a month ago on Aug. 23 when 133people were in hospital.

The number of patients in intensive care isupby about 10per cent from 134a week ago and by 85 per cent from a month ago when 80people were in the ICU.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is now 1,915lives lost out of 181,769confirmed cases to date.

The regional breakdown of new cases is as follows:

• 377 new cases in Fraser Health, which has 1,932total active cases.
• 153 new cases in Interior Health, which has 1,181total active cases.
• 117 new cases in Northern Health, which has 977total active cases.
• 114 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, which has 909total active cases.
• 71 new cases in Island Health, which has 654total active cases.

There are a total of 22 active outbreaks in assisted living and long-term and acute care. The acute-care hospitals affected are Chilliwack General Hospital, Fort St. John Hospitaland Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.

As of Thursday, 87.3per cent of those 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of aCOVID-19 vaccineand 79.9 per cent asecond dose.

From Sept. 15 to 21, people who were not fully vaccinated accounted for 75.5 per cent of cases and from Sept. 8 to 21,they accounted for 82.6 per cent of hospitalizations, according to the province. After factoring for age, people not vaccinated are 25.8times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are fully vaccinated, it said.

So far, 7.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 3.7million second doses.

Vaccine required

The vast majority of people in hospital with COVID-19 in British Columbia are unvaccinated and health officials are encouraging anyone who is hesitant about vaccines to discuss their concerns with a health professional.

On Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed pregnant people specifically, saying it is important for this demographic to vaccinateafter 40 pregnant women received intensive care in B.C. in the past few months.

There's no increased risk of complications for immunized pregnant women or to their babies, and international data shows no difference in the rates of miscarriage, early birth, stillbirth or other adverse effects, Henrysaid.

Anyone who is eligible forimmunization and has not yet received their first and/or second dose can do so bybooking an appointment online, calling1-833-838-2323, or registering in person at a Service B.C. location.

British Columbians are now required to show a vaccine card proving they have been immunized to access many activities and services.Adults aged 19 and over willalso need to show a government-issued piece of photo ID.

Cards areavailablethrough the provincialHealth Gateway websiteand can be downloaded to a mobile device or printed.