Number of cases of virus also endures to decline following an earlier-than-usual peak

COVID-19 hospitalizations were down this week, but the number of patients in serious care rose, according to data provided by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control in its up-to-date weekly update.

The BCCDC reported 228 people with COVID-19 in hospital Thursday — a drop of nearly 15 percent from the week before — and 22 people in serious care, up from 17 last weeks.

As of Jan. 21, the region says there were 27 new deaths reported among those who had tested optimistic for COVID-19 in the last 30 days, the same number reported last week. 

A complete of 5,061 people in British Columbia is believed to have died of causes related to the virus since the start of the pandemic.

B.C. exceeds 5,000 deaths linked to COVID-19 as hospitalizations continue to decline

B.C. reported 408 new cases as of Jan. 21, down 27 percent from the 560 reported the week before and more than 38 percent lower than the 661 cases reported two weeks ago.

The number of deaths, hospitalizations and stated COVID-19 cases can all be studied retroactively, as updated data from local health authorities is submitted to the BCCDC and the regional Health Ministry.

The BCCDC says that over a four-week span from Dec. 25 to Jan. 21, the average number of everyday hospital admissions has reduced from about 35 to 15, while the number of new dangerous care admissions has remained comparatively stable, averaging two to eight per day.

COVID-19 hospitalizations down in B.C. as area still waiting to see impact from breaks

B.C. is now testing wastewater at sites in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Victoria, Comox and Nanaimo. The BCCDC said Thursday that wastewater tests for SARS-CoV-2 differ by topography but were comparatively stable or declining.

The BCCDC says the number of cases of flu lasts to decline after an earlier-than-usual peak of virus in November.