B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix says Omicron-driven COVID hospitalizations, including admissions to intensive care units, remain staggeringly high, although they’re on a continued downward trend from record numbers last month.
Dix said 806 people were in hospital on Monday, including 119 in intensive care, down from 846 on Friday, including 136 ICU cases.
In the Island Health region, 79 people with COVID are in hospital, including 12 in intensive care.
Premier John Horgan is scheduled to join Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to announce a phased approach to easing pandemic restrictions.
Dix reiterated Monday that easing of restrictions will be “grounded in science” and not based on what other provinces are doing. B.C.’s vaccine mandate is in place until June 30, though Henry says it will be continually reviewed and may be lifted before that time.
The province reported 2,701 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday from the previous three days, including 423 new cases in Island Health.
Seventeen COVID-19-related deaths were reported over the weekend in B.C., including two in Island Health. There have been 2,764 deaths in the province since the pandemic began, including 202 in Island Health.
Island Health reported a new COVID outbreak on the third-floor east wing at The Heights at Mt. View long-term care home in Victoria. Two resident cases were confirmed through PCR testing.
During outbreaks, there is no group dining or activities, staff movement is limited and enhanced screening and cleaning are in effect.
Outbreaks have also been reported at Wexford Creek, Sidney Care Home, Eden Gardens, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Dufferin Place, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, James Bay Care Centre, Sunset Lodge, Arrowsmith Lodge, Woodgrove Manor, Amica on the Gorge, Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, Berwick on The Lake, Chemainus Health Care Centre, Selkirk Seniors Village, Sunridge Place, Island View Place, Nanaimo Seniors Village, Sluggett House, Glacier View Lodge, Rest Haven Lodge and Sidney All Care.
In acute care, there is an outbreak at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
The province reported Monday that 90.5 per cent of British Columbians age 12 and older were fully vaccinated and 52 per cent had received their booster or third dose.
