Latest News
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said 1,215 healthcare workers have received the COVID-19 vaccine so far.
BC introduces early vaccines as pandemic wages on
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 5:01 PST, Thu December 17, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
—
While the Pfizer vaccine is being rolled out in BC this week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are many reasons why it's not advised for immune compromised people.
“Right now we just don’t know whether these vaccines will work or whether they’re safe or whether they’ll have some effect on the immune system,” said Henry.
But for some people, Henry recommends speaking to their doctor and weighing the options including possible vaccine risk versus possible risk of complications from COVID-19.
She also announced 673 new cases in BC today, including six that are epidemiologically linked, bringing the cumulative total to 44,776. Of the new cases, 145 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region (including Richmond), 403 in the Fraser Health region, four in the Island Health region, 66 in the Interior Health region, 47 in the Northern Health region and eight in people who normally live outside Canada.
There are 10,009 active cases and 358 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 93 of whom are in critical care. Across the province, 10,388 people are under active public health monitoring. Sadly, 21 people lost their lives to the virus since yesterday, bringing BC’s new total to 713.
While there were no new healthcare outbreaks announced, active outbreaks continue at 55 longterm care or assisted living facilities and six acute care facilities. These healthcare outbreaks are currently affecting 1,374 residents and 735 staff.
Henry said BC’s testing approach has shifted slightly. People who need testing more urgently can get a test quickly, whereas other people can self-isolate initially if their need for testing is not as urgent. She also clarified the symptoms with which people should get tested for COVID-19, the most crucial being fever, chills, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste and difficulty breathing. People with one of those symptoms should get tested right away.
But people with less common symptoms, including sore throat, loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, body aches, nausea and diarrhea have the option of self-isolating or getting tested right away. If symptoms are the same or worse after 24 hours, Henry recommends getting tested.
“If there’s one thing that we have learned, it’s that to keep our wall strong, we need a team effort,” said Henry.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said the province has hired more than 1,300 contact tracers, reaching its final goal.
For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
