Cases of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 all increased in B.C. this week, according to the latest respiratory illness data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
All three diseases remain well below their recent transmission peaks, however.
There were 528 positive tests for influenza in the province during the most recent epidemiological week, which spanned Jan. 21 to 27. That’s an increase from the 442 positive tests recorded the week before.
Comments closedInterior Health (IH) has completely withdrawn its COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) from its facilities.
This is according to an internal memo obtained by Global News.
“(The rapid tests) are not reliable for diagnosis of COVID-19,” the memo stated.
“As such COVID-19 RAT testing can no longer be used to direct clinical care or infection prevention and control measures, and must be discontinued immediately in Interior Health affiliated emergency rooms, hospitals, long-term care facilities (and) outpatient settings.”
Comments closedNearly four years after B.C. confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus that would come to be known as COVID-19, the province begins 2024 with 219 people in hospital with the disease.
That’s a notable jump since the last update provided by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control on Dec. 21, when there were 153 test-positive patients in hospital across the province.
In its latest update, the BCCDC says this roughly 43-per-cent increase in the hospitalized population “is being monitored.”
Comments closedAn industrial camp operator has been fined over $200,000 for failing to implement COVID-19 safety measures after a worker died of the virus in their Dawson Creek, B.C., room.
The WorkSafeBC fine, handed down in September 2023 but released to the public last week, penalizes Horizon North Camp & Catering & Dexterra Group Inc. $206,346.90 for failing to implement a number of procedures.
Those include failing to enforce physical distancing, temperature checks, reporting symptoms, isolating workers and seeking medical attention.
Comments closedThe B.C. Centre for Disease Control published its final respiratory illness data of the year this week, reporting continued increases in transmission of influenza and RSV, while COVID-19 levels remain stable.
There were 153 people hospitalized with COVID as of Thursday, a decrease from the last time that number was reported two weeks ago.
The number of new, lab-confirmed COVID-19 infections also declined in the latest update, though test positivity remained unchanged, indicating the decline was due to fewer government-funded tests being performed.
Comments closedAn outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared on the fifth floor of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
As of Thursday, a total of 10 hospital-acquired cases had been attributed to the outbreak. All patients are experiencing mild illness, an Island Health official said.
Comments closedThe number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in B.C. ticked up slightly this week, but remained well below the early-October high.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported 182 test-positive patients in hospital Thursday, up from 174 at this time last week.
Comments closedAfter 2023, funding for Covid-related services is set to end in BC.
For nearly four years now, British Columbians have been grappling with Covid-19. We’re currently aided by health management initiatives like vaccination, testing, and protective equipment for healthcare workers. Since 2021, these measures have been funded by BC’s Pandemic Recovery Contingencies, a three-year plan that also sustains economic recovery programs and supports for vulnerable community members.
This plan expires at the end of 2023. After that, our government anticipates that “most initiatives will wind down or be integrated into existing government programs.”
Comments closedBC public health has made it too confusing to keep up on COVID-19 information. With the government changing information about COVID-19 data and obscuring data collection, knowingly downplaying risks about transmission, and overall unclear messaging, it’s no wonder people are misinformed.
Comments closedRead DoNoHarm BC’s 2024/25 provincial budget recommendations for pandemic resilience and economic recovery. Then email your MLA ASAP! The final budget will be announced on February 22.
Comments closedNew data suggests that COVID-19 activity in British Columbia is trending downward, while influenza and RSV are on the rise.
Comments closedIt’s only November, but B.C.’s hospitals are already breaking annual capacity records.
Comments closedThe number of people with COVID-19 in B.C. hospitals rose this week, while other data released Thursday by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control was a mixed bag.
There were 263 test-positive COVID patients in provincial hospitals Thursday, up from 244 last week, an increase of 7.7 per cent.
Comments closedA COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a Victoria-area hospital.
Island Health said in a statement the outbreak was declared Thursday at the centre unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital, with 15 patients infected and all experiencing mild illness.
Comments closedFifteen people have contracted COVID-19 at a Vancouver Island hospital amid an ongoing outbreak of the respiratory illness. The outbreak is one of at least three confirmed coronavirus outbreaks now active in B.C. hospitals.
Comments closedUsing portables for kids in B.C. isn’t just happening at schools — Surrey Memorial Hospital has installed a temporary emergency waiting area at its pediatric wing, preparing for a potential surge in patients.
Comments closedAs the province rolls out its fall 2023 duo COVID-influenza vaccination campaign, the majority of British Columbians are overdue to shore up their viral defences by half a year.
Comments closedAbout a month after the provincial government rolled out its flu and COVID-19 vaccine campaign, one East Vancouver woman says she’s having a heck of a time getting an appointment for her family.
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