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Tag: British Columbia

Camp operator penalized $206,000 after B.C. worker found dead of COVID-19

An 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.

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153 in hospital with COVID-19 in BCCDC’s final data release of 2023

The 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.

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COVID outbreak declared on fifth floor of Nanaimo hospital

An 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.

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B.C. COVID-19 data: Weekly update shows slight increase in hospital population

The 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.

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Now is not the time to end Covid-related services in BC

After 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.”

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How to stay informed on COVID-19

BC 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.

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Renew pandemic support in BC’s 2024 Budget

Read 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.

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Total hospitalized with COVID-19 in B.C. climbs in latest weekly update

The 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.

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Health authority declares COVID-19 outbreak at Victoria-area hospital, after 15 cases reported

A 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.

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COVID-19 outbreaks declared at 3 hospitals in B.C.

Fifteen 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.

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Surrey Memorial Hospital installs portable as waiting area for pediatric ER

Using 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.

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Most British Columbians Are Way Overdue for Their COVID Boosters

As 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.

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East Vancouver woman warns of COVID-19, flu vaccine appointment shortage

About 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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Dr. Lyne Filiatrault discusses masks in healthcare

On September 27, BC provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and health minister, Adrian Dix, announced mandatory masking would be re-established in healthcare environments as COVID-19 cases are rising at a rapid rate. Starting October 3, masks became mandatory once again in healthcare settings.

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BC’s new masking guidance isn’t enough

As of October 3, masks are mandatory for healthcare workers and visitors in settings that are accessible to patients, including areas where they receive care. This includes spaces like the rooms where doctors and nurses serve patients directly, or areas where patients may stay while waiting, such as lobbies. The policy also extends to contractors or volunteers in the area, but does not include private clinics or patients themselves.

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