FILE PHOTO - Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Province of B.C.
January 11, 2022 - 2:32 PM
While the daily count of COVID-19 cases has eased a bit from the peak at the end of December, we’re not out of the woods yet, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said today.
“We continue to see high rates of virus transmission across British Columbia,” Dr. Henry said at a news conference today, Jan. 11.
“This is anticipated to continue for the next few weeks. It does seem to be levelling off so we may be entering, soon, into a place where we will see a decline.”
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While there are many unknowns still about the Omicron variant, it is clear that not only do vaccinations reduce the chances of severe illness but new studies also show those who are vaccinated are less likely to spread the virus to people they’re close to if they are vaccinated.
People who have booster shots are 50% less likely to contract COVID. There is a 60% to 70% less chance of needing hospital care for up to six months after getting a second dose, Dr. Henry said.
She noted that there are three people in their 20s and one in their 30s who are intensive care wards who are unvaccinated, along with more who are over the age of 70. She encouraged everyone to get vaccinated.
“This wave is moving quickly and you need to do everything you can to protect yourself right now,” Dr. Henry said.
She noted that, while businesses are required to put COVID safety plans in place this week, individuals should do the same for themselves in order to reduce their chance of getting sick by, for example, foregoing some activities.
She also noted that age is still a factor in whether people get COVID and how sick they get with older people at greater risk.
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