The latest data analysis of hospitalizations in B.C. suggests the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is half as likely as the Delta variant to land someone in hospital.
The province did a detailed analysis of the medical charts of 550 patients.
The review also found that Omicron is more likely to lead to hospitalizations for vaccinated individuals than Delta, with many breakthrough cases in the elderly. The data reveals that 60 per cent of the Omicron cases in hospital tested positive after being admitted for another health concern.
Despite the findings, COVID-positive hospitalizations in B.C. are the highest since the pandemic began. There were 706 more people admitted with COVID-19 in the week ended Jan. 31. 2022.
But, the length of stay is getting shorter.
“What we are seeing, thankfully, is that we continue to see a shorter length of stay. Approximately half the time that people are in hospital with Omicron compared to Delta,” explained provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Hundreds of surgeries continue to be postponed every week because of the strain on the healthcare system, and the bulk of those are in Interior Health. Health Minister Adrian Dix reported that during the week of Jan. 23 to Jan. 29, there were 870 cancellations, 572 of those in Interior Health.
Sickness among healthcare workers remains high but steady. 17,756 called in sick from Jan. 24-Jan. 30, including 3,456 in Interior Health.
The high rate of immunization in the community is being credited for keeping hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
Health Minister Adrian Dix announced that 93.1 per cent of adults in B.C. have now received at least one dose of vaccine.
“I think while there is always going to be discussion of divergence and conflict, the level of consensus and collective effort here in B.C. is something of which we should all be very proud, and I certainly am, in particular,” said Dix.
Dr. Henry indicated that public health officials are considering easing restrictions soon, but she made it clear it would not be a flick of the switch.
“It will be again increasing the dimmer switch. The gradual turning of the dial so that we can do this cautiously and not put people at risk as we’re getting closer and closer to the end of this wave,” said Dr. Henry.
Current restrictions are due for review in mid-February, and some could be lifted in time for the B.C. Family Day long weekend.
