While knowledge suggests COVID-19 cases are surging in B. C. , the province’s most sensible doctor says the scenario is under control, though some critics are calling on the province to do more.
According to the B. C. Center for Disease Control (BCCDC), wastewater shows a steady increase in viral load across the province in March.
The BCCDC says it began a more delicate test for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater on Feb. 28 “affecting comparisons before and after that date. “
Dr. Lyne Filiatrault, a retired emergency physician who speaks for Protect Our Province B. C. , an organization of fitness professionals, scientists and advocates who say they need evidence-based policy, says that if you take a look at the data after that date, the amount of the virus in wastewater is higher in many areas. I fall.
“I’m hearing about more COVID cases right now, and my colleagues who are still practicing are seeing more cases right now,” Filiatrault said.
The BCCDC weekly report noted that 292 patients hospitalized with the virus that causes COVID-19 on Thursday to 250 a week ago. Three weeks ago, 205 patients were hospitalized.
Nineteen patients are in intensive care, up from 14 last week.
Filiatrault, speaking on CBC’s The Early Edition, said the province is doing enough studies to track how the virus is circulating in network boxes and warn the public of a slight increase.
He would like to see officials make efforts to monitor indoor air quality and remind others to limit indoor gatherings at this time.
“We have no public fitness when it comes to COVID in this province,” Filiatrault said, adding that “this is not the time to gather inland where we don’t know what the air quality is. “
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Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, said that while knowledge of wastewater is helpful, it fluctuates and there has not been a dramatic increase in hospital admissions.
Henry, also speaking to CBC’s The Early Edition, said the immunity point in B. C. The population is high, and although other people are still infected with the virus, most cases are mild and there has been no significant increase in other people becoming seriously ill.
“We’re in another position, in a very different position now,” Henry said.
Canada’s national consultative framework on immunization has called on those most at risk to get a COVID-19 booster starting this spring.
The government of British Columbia will provide one to those most at risk, adding citizens of long-term care facilities, seniors, other Aboriginal people and other immunocompromised people.
Henry said the province will continue to track wastewater, new variants and provide the public with weekly COVID case numbers.
After 3 complicated years, Henry said this spring will be a time of renewal and hope.
“People want to go back to doing the things that are for us and be with others. “
With from The Early Edition and The Canadian Press
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