10 more people die of COVID-19 in B.C., as 759 new cases confirmed

B.C. health officials announced 759new cases of COVID-19 and 10more deaths on Wednesday.

In a written statement, the province said there are currently 5,458active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.

A total of 324people are in hospital, with 157in intensive care.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, areupby 12.5per cent from last Wednesday, when 288people were in hospital with the disease and about 151per cent from a month ago when 129 people were in hospital.

The number of patients in intensive care isupby about 14.5per cent from 137a week ago and by 166per cent from a month ago when 59people were in the ICU.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is now 1,910lives lost out of 180,937confirmed cases to date.

The regional breakdown of new cases is as follows:

• 233 new cases in InteriorHealth, which has 1,223 total active cases.
• 214 new cases in Fraser Health, which has 1,734total active cases.
• 129 new cases in NorthernHealth, which has 943total active cases.
• 101 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, which has 877total active cases.
• 79 new cases in Island Health, which has 636total active cases.There are three new cases among people who reside outside of Canada, a group which has 45total active cases.

There are a total of 23active outbreaks in assisted living and long-term and acute care,including outbreaks at Chilliwack General Hospital in Fraser Health, Fort St. John Hospital in Northern Health andKootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Interior Health, as well as one new outbreak at the Sunset Manor in Fraser Health.

As of Wednesday, 87per cent of those 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of aCOVID-19 vaccineand 79.7 per cent asecond dose.

So far, 7.7million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 3.6million second doses.

School notifications

Wednesday's numbers come in the wake of a Tuesday news conference during which Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the province is bringing in a new systemto notify families when their children have been exposed to COVID-19 in a school setting.

Henry said in early September that notifications would go out only for outbreaks or clusters, prompting parents and the B.C. Teachers' Federation to say that not having an understanding of what's going on inschools creates anxiety.

Henry reversed course Tuesday, saying she has heard fromparents and teachers that they need to be more informed about the transmission of the virus and that anew system is expected to be in place by the end of the week.

Pregnant people encouraged to vaccinate

Henry also encouraged people who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding to get vaccinated against COVID-19 after 40 pregnant women received intensive care in B.C. in the last few months.

There's no increased risk of complications for immunized pregnant women or to their babies, and international data shows no difference in the rates of miscarriage, early birth, stillbirth or other adverse effects, Henrysaid.

WATCH | B.C.'s provincial health officer debunks myths about the vaccine and pregnancy:

No risk to pregnant women from COVID vaccine: Dr. Bonnie Henry

3 years ago

Duration 0:58

B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is encouraging people who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The delta variant has shown unvaccinated pregnant women experience higher rates of stillbirth and preterm birth, leading to their priority vaccination in many provinces.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada as well as a national vaccine advisory panel have recommended vaccines for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get a shot. Get a card.

Anyone who is eligible forimmunization and has not yet received their first and/or second dose is encouraged by health officials to do so immediately. This can be done bybooking an appointment online, calling1-833-838-2323, or registering in person at a Service B.C. location.

British Columbians are now required to show a vaccine card proving they have been immunized to access many activities and services.Adults aged 19 and over willalso need to show a government-issued piece of photo ID.

The vaccine cardis a one-page file with your name, confirmed vaccination status and a QR code. You can download it as an image fileto your device, take ascreenshotof the card on your phoneor print a paper copy.

Cards areavailablethrough the provincialHealth Gateway website.