COVID-19 surge continues unchecked

There have been 1,262 new COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, the second highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began over a year ago.

“There are 9,574 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 15,673 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 98,336 people who tested positive have recovered.” Dr. Bonnie Henry reported in her Friday media briefing.

Of the active cases, 332 individuals are currently hospitalized with 102 in intensive care.

There are 358 (28.4 per cent) new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 638 (50.6 per cent) new cases in the Fraser Health region, 54 (4.3 per cent) in the Island Health region, 132 (10.5 per cent) in the Interior Health region, 79 (6.3 per cent) in the Northern Health region and one new case (0.1 per cent) of a person who resides outside of Canada.

“There have been two new COVID-related deaths, for a total of 1,495 deaths in B.C.

Over one million doses (1,025,019) of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,606 of which are second doses.

AstraZeneca vaccines have been sent to four Vernon pharmacies for people aged 55 to 65, including Nolan’s Pharmacy, Loblaw’s (Superstore) Pharmacy, and the Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacies on 27th Street and Polson Mall. Appointments must be made to receive the vaccinations.

“This is a significant milestone for all of us, and we will continue to work to get vaccines into arms as soon as we can. Today, people 65 and older, Indigenous peoples 18 and over, and individuals who have received their ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ letter may register for their vaccine,” Henry added.

“There are currently 4,111 cases of COVID-19 that are confirmed variants of concern in our province.

“Avoid indoor gatherings outside of your household and avoid travel. Get tested if you have even mild symptoms and use all of your layers of protection. This is how we will slow the spread and get ahead of the virus strains that are in our communities right now,” Henry stated.

There have been two new deaths associated with an outbreak on the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Level 3 surgical unit. The unit has 14 cases: 10 patients and four staff, with three deaths connected to the outbreak.

“Patients can be assured that Vernon Jubilee Hospital remains safe to attend for appointments and emergency care. They should continue with any scheduled procedures. Self-isolation or COVID-19 testing is not required after visiting the hospital. Patients coming into the hospital for appointments must wear medical masks, which will be provided, and staff wear appropriate PPE to protect against the transmission of COVID-19,” Interior Health stated.

Cottonwoods Care Centre long-term care in Kelowna has 28 cases: 25 residents and three staff, with one death connected to the outbreak.

Kelowna General Hospital unit 4E has three cases: one patient and two staff.