The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 1,330 new cases of COVID-19 across the province for the period of January 15 to 18, for a total of 61,447 cases since the pandemic began.
It has been one year this week since the province began issuing joint statements on the COVID-19 pandemic.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
- Vancouver Coastal Health: 281
- Fraser Health: 548
- Island Health: 65
- Interior Health: 257
- Northern Health: 166
- Residents outside Canada: 13
The number of active cases in B.C. decreased from 4,604 to 4,326.
There are now a total of 343 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 68 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
31 more people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,078.
6,865 people are in isolation, under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 54,656 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There is one new health-care facility outbreak at Eagle Ridge Manor.
Four outbreaks have also been declared over at AgeCare Harmony Court, Laurel Place, Capilano Care Centre and McKinney Place.
In total, there are 48 assisted-living, long-term care homes, seniors’ rental buildings and 10 acute-care facilities with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
Outbreaks and other exposure events can be linked to from the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
More COVID-19 coverage from Victoria Buzz, including local exposures and outbreaks.
Island Health
65 new cases were reported in the Island Health region for the period of January 15 to 18.
As of Monday, there are 177 active cases remaining in the region, according to Island Health. By Health Service Delivery Area, they are:
- South Island: 27 | Total cases: 397
- Central Island: 130 | Total cases: 621
- North Island: 20 | Total cases: 258
Two new deaths were reported in the Island Health region.
14 people are currently hospitalized in the Island Health region, including three people in intensive care units.
Island Health’s chart below shows the region’s COVID-19 curve over the course of the pandemic.
Vaccinations
To date, 87,346 (+11,432) people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is expected to receive 26,775 more doses this week, including 24,375 from Pfizer and 2,400 from Moderna.
More information on the government’s vaccination distribution plan will be coming this week as the province adjusts to a delay in orders from Pfizer that was announced by the Federal government last week.
Government agencies have set up a number of websites for British Columbians who need more information on COVID-19. Some links include:
- Details on the latest provincial restrictions
- BCCDC information on how to get tested
- Support for mental health and wellbeing
At the time of this publication, 95,960,392 cases of COVID-19 had been recorded worldwide. 2,048,061 have died, and 68,505,323 have recovered.
