The number of people infected with the coronavirus in B.C.’s hospitals rose slightly this week as the province began rolling out its latest vaccination campaign.
There were 141 COVID-19 patients with positive tests in hospitals across the province as of Thursday, according to the latest data from the BC Center for Disease Control. This is an increase of nine cases, or about 6.8%, from last week’s total.
The latest public information for 2024 shows the number of people in B.C.’s hospitals with reported coronavirus cases. (CTV News)
The total number reported this week remains the third lowest the BCCC has reported all year, and is exactly half the number of people hospitalized with the disease at this time last year (as of April, there were 282 people in BC hospitals). 6, 2023.
Some other coronavirus data released Thursday by the BCCDC also suggests a slight increase in infections in recent weeks.
During the most recent Epidemiology Week, from March 31st to April 6th, 337 new infections were confirmed through laboratory testing. This is an increase from the 297 new infections confirmed the previous week.
The proportion of tests coming back positive has also increased, reaching 10.6% in the week ending April 6, up from 9.2% the previous week.
There were other respiratory illnesses. is on the decline In recent months, the number of new infections and positive test rates for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus have each been at or near their lowest levels since the start of the respiratory disease season last fall.
In a statement announcing the spring vaccination plan earlier this week, it said: the Ministry of Health said Additional vaccinations will likely be recommended for older adults and those at high risk of complications from coronavirus infection.
“Although the peak respiratory disease season has passed, the SARS CoV-2 virus continues to circulate in the community at low levels,” the ministry said. “The protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines declines over time, especially in older people, so a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the spring will ensure that people are protected.”