'Did we get the timing right?': B.C.'s top doctor reflects on 2021, looks ahead to next year
British Columbia’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, sat down with CTV Vancouver Island's Rob Buffam for a look back at the tumultuous year that was 2021.
The conversation ranged from expected hospitalizations due to the Omicron variant of concern in the new year, to B.C.’s criticised rollout of rapid antigen tests and booster shots.
Henry also gave her thoughts on the toxic drug crisis, as well as what the COVID-19 landscape may look like a year from now.
OMICRON IN B.C.
On the topic of Omicron, Henry acknowledged that in many ways — particularly with recent case counts and the psychological impact of yet another wave — the emergence of this variant has been the most challenging time of the pandemic.
She says it’s still unclear how badly the healthcare system will be impacted by the latest variant, but says that non-urgent scheduled surgeries do need to be cancelled as a precaution starting Jan. 4.
Henry says there may be a significant increase in hospitalizations due to the variant, but predicts that the true impact of Omicron won’t be know for several weeks.
When asked about the easing of restrictions and the number of active cases in B.C. compared to other jurisdictions of Canada before Omicron arrived, Henry said the province was doing its best to balance risks with re-opening.
"In places like Ontario they kept a lot more restrictions in at a lot more places," she said. "Did we get the timing right, perfectly? Probably not. But it's really hard to know."
She also did not rule out bringing in additional measures — subject to how Omicron unfolds in the coming weeks.
RAPID TESTS AND BOOSTER SHOTS
Regarding the rollout of rapid tests — something B.C. has lagged significantly behind other provinces on, including Alberta and Ontario — Henry acknowledged that the province’s strategy of ordering the lateral swab tests used in the U.K. didn’t unfold as expected.
Many of the tests did not arrive in the fall, as they were supposed to, contributing to the shortage. Henry says when more tests arrive in January, one focus will be on using them in schools to assist with the goal of maintaining in-person learning.
Despite delays in getting booster shots in the arms of British Columbians, Henry insists most folks should expect a third dose around six months after they received their second dose.
"The focus that we've had from the very beginning is making sure that the booster doses get to the people who need them most first," she said.
As for what Christmas 2022 is likely to look like, B.C.’s top doctor says while she clearly hopes life is much closer to normal, she’s learned through two years of the pandemic not to make sweeping assurances about the future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.