85% in B.C. have first COVID-19 vaccine dose, hospitalizations continue to rise

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Eighty-five per cent of eligible people in B.C. have now received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but the number of people in the hospital and intensive care due to the virus continues to rise.

On Tuesday, the province reported 255 people are hospitalized, up from 215 on Friday. Of those, 126 are in the ICU, up from 118.

Fifteen more people passed away over the 96-hour period. Six deaths were in the Interior Health region, four in Island Health, three in Fraser Health, and two in Vancouver Coastal Health.

There were 2,425 new infections over the Labour Day weekend. There were 695 on Friday, 634 on Saturday, 563 on Sunday, and 533 on Monday. Roughly one-third of the cases were in the Interior Health region. Northern Health — where new restrictions were introduced last week because of an ‘explosion’ of cases saw 312.

Of those 12 and over, 85.1 per cent have received one shot, and 77.6 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Average about 600 new cases perday
Hospitalizations up 40 people, ICU up 6
active cases down 407 people
15 deaths – in all but Northern Health
LTC/Acute/assisted lvg remains at 21 outbreaks.
2 acute (-1), 19 LTC/AL (+1)#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/pJj6KRB9zf

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) September 7, 2021

 

There are new outbreaks at Vancouver’s Louis Brier Home and Hospital, Kamloops’ The Hamlets at Westsyde, and Cranbrook’s Joseph Creek Care Village. Outbreaks have been declared over at Peace Arch Hospital, Heritage Village, and Hawthorn Park. The total number of active outbreaks at long-term and healthcare facilities is now 21.

This update from the province comes on the same day officials announced more details about the vaccine card, including where proof of immunization will be required, how British Columbians can access their records, and how businesses are expected to verify their clients’ information.

Proof of a single shot will be required as of Sept. 13 to get into venues like movie theatres and pubs. As of Oct. 24, only those full immunized will be permitted in these establishments.

Effective September 13, people aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination to get into certain events, services, and businesses in BC – including concerts, restaurants, gyms, and more. Get your BC Vaccine Card today: https://t.co/8FB2ZFGVCs #CovidBC pic.twitter.com/Ir0vlz0hLD

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 7, 2021

Both Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Premier John Horgan hinted that this system might allow the province to proceed to Phase 4 of the reopening plan — which could have started Sept. 7 but was put on hold due to rates of infection, transmission, and hospitalizations.

“There is a sense in the broader community that we would prefer to have COVID behind us. We’re tired, we’re exasperated, we’re frustrated, we can continue to discuss how we feel — but we also need to continue focusing on what do we do today to prepare for tomorrow and that’s why we brought forward the immunization card — so that we can continue to keep the economy going, we can continue to give hope to people that there is an end to this if they take appropriate steps to protect themselves,” Horgan said.

“It’s taking an individual action for a collective benefit. I hope that all British Columbians will hear that message, and take the steps to get themselves vaccinated.”