B.C. extends health orders on gatherings, gyms, and bars; COVID-19 hospitalizations surpass 800

VICTORIA — In its COVID-19 pandemic update for Monday (Jan. 17), the B.C. government announced the provincial health officer’s orders on gatherings and events, and restrictions on gyms and fitness centres, have been extended.

The province says an update will be provided during a news briefing on Tuesday (Jan. 18).

The Ministry of Health reports that COVID-19 hospitalizations have spiked to 819 in B.C., up by 173 since Friday (Jan. 14). Of those patients, 99 are in intensive care, up by four.

Between Dec. 31 and Jan. 13, B.C. reported 809 COVID-19 hospitalizations. The fully vaccinated population accounted for 536 of those (66.3 per cent), the unvaccinated 235 (29 per cent), and the partially vaccinated 38 (4.7 per cent).

However, per 100,000 population adjusting for age, 57.3 patients were unvaccinated, 29.9 were partially vaccinated, and 11.5 were fully vaccinated.

In the past 72 hours, 22 new deaths have been reported – four in Interior Health – for a provincial total of 2,490.

Eight new healthcare facility outbreaks were declared, including Heritage Square in Vernon, for an active total of 50. That includes Brocklehurst Gemstone in Kamloops.

B.C. reported 5,625 new cases from Friday to Monday, with 1,345 of those in Interior Health. Reported active cases slightly increased to 35,985 in the province (up by 42 since Friday) and jumped to 5,192 in Interior Health (up by 276).

The three-day breakdown is as follows:

• Jan. 14 to 15: 2,383 new cases
• Jan. 15 to 16: 1,733 new cases
• Jan. 16 to 17: 1,509 new cases

As of Monday, 89.2 per cent (4,447,145) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 83.4 per cent (4,155,929) have received their second.

Additionally, 33.3 per cent (1,544,191) of British Columbians 12 and older have received a third dose.