The number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in British Columbia has reached its highest level since March, according to recent data.
As of April 26, there were 484 people in hospital with the virus, with 158 of them in intensive care. This marks a significant increase from the previous week, when there were 456 hospitalizations and 148 ICU admissions.
The surge in hospitalizations comes as the province continues to grapple with a third wave of the pandemic, driven by more contagious variants of the virus. Health officials have warned that the current situation is the most challenging the province has faced since the start of the pandemic.
In response to the rising numbers, the province has implemented stricter measures, including a three-week “circuit breaker” lockdown that has closed indoor dining, fitness facilities, and limited social gatherings. However, it may take several weeks before the impact of these measures is reflected in the hospitalization numbers.
Despite the concerning trend, there is some hope on the horizon. The province has seen a decline in daily case numbers in recent days, with 2,491 new cases reported over the weekend, down from a peak of over 1,000 daily cases earlier this month.
Health officials have also noted that the majority of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the importance of the ongoing vaccination efforts. As of April 26, over 1.7 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in British Columbia.
While the current hospitalization numbers are a cause for concern, it is important to remember that they represent real people who are battling this virus. As the province continues to navigate this challenging time, it is crucial for everyone to follow public health guidelines and do their part to help bring these numbers down.
