B.C. records highest daily COVID-19 case count in four months

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C. recorded 867 new COVID-19 infections Friday, which is the highest in the fourth wave of the pandemic and the most new cases in one day since April 24.

There are 159 British Columbians hospitalized with the illness, up from 149 Thursday. There are 84 patients in the ICU, up just one from 83 Thursday.

The province recorded three COVID-related deaths Friday, both of which are in the Interior Health region.

Of Friday’s new cases, 350 were in the Interior Health region, making up 40 per cent of the total. Fraser Health recorded the second-highest figure with 228, followed by Vancouver Coastal health with 165. There were 63 new cases in Island Health and 61 in Northern Health.

Related video: Unvaccinated COVID-19 patients straining B.C. hospitals

When it comes to vaccines, 18,612 doses were administered in the past day, 8,529 of which were first doses.

The province says 83.9 per cent of all British Columbians aged 12 and up have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75.8 per cent have gotten both doses.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has repeatedly said evidence shows being fully vaccinated greatly reduces the chances of becoming seriously ill from the virus. The province says from Aug. 12 to Aug. 25, people who are not fully vaccinated made up 82 per cent of cases and 85.9 per cent of hospitalizations.

From Aug. 12-25, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 82% of cases and 85.9% of hospitalizations.

Past week, cases per 100,000 population (Aug. 19-25)
•Not vaccinated: 199.0
•Fully vaccinated: 24.9

— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) August 27, 2021

On Monday, the province announced a “vaccine passport” will be used starting Sept. 13, in order for British Columbians to access non-essential businesses. One dose will be required to enter places like indoor concerts, sporting events, movies, and anywhere there is non-discretionary activities. Starting Oct. 24, only fully immunized people will be allowed in those settings.

On Wednesday, a mask mandate came back into effect in B.C. Everyone aged 12 and up is now required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, including on transit and BC Ferries.

On that same day, the province said daily registrations to get vaccinated nearly doubled compared to the same time last week.

Related articles:

• ‘A renewed momentum’: COVID-19 vaccine demand in B.C. surges with ‘passport,’ mask mandates‘

• Unvaccinated COVID-19 patients straining B.C. hospitals, particularly in Interior

• ‘Borderline medical discrimination’: B.C. man to be denied services for vaccine allergy

There are no new outbreaks at health-care facilities. There are currently 14 active outbreaks at the following locations:

Long-term care: Heritage Village (Fraser Health), Brock Fahrni (Vancouver Coastal Health), Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre and Spring Valley Care Centre (Interior Health)

Acute care: Peace Arch Hospital (Fraser Health)

Assisted or independent living: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd Jones, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge (Interior Health)

With files from Claire Fenton and Lisa Steacy