Adrian Dix told media on Thursday there was "nothing heroic" staying unvaccinated, contrary to the mountains of medical and scientific evidence proving the vaccines safe. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ICU OVERLOAD

Unvaccinated ‘holding a red flag to a virus that spreads to live’ as ICUs stay crowded

Sep 9, 2021 | 4:15 PM

NANAIMO — B.C.’s hospitals continue to fill with more serious COVID-19 cases, mainly among those who have elected not to receive a vaccine shot.

Health minister Adrian Dix delivered repeated empassioned pleas during a media availability on Thursday, Sept. 9 for vaccine holdouts to roll up their sleeves.

He said of the 130 people currently occupying intensive care beds in B.C. hospitals, 111 were completely unvaccinated.

“Choosing to stay unvaccinated when we’re able to be vaccinated is simply holding a red flag to a virus that spreads to live. The data is clear, the evidence conclusive, the science definite…there is absolutely nothing heroic in presenting a target for COVID-19.”

A further 10 people receiving intensive care had received one dose prior to falling ill, while nine were considered fully vaccinated.

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Dix said the gulf between the number of people vaccinated and unvaccinated in B.C. hospitals was clear evidence to the severity of COVID-19 and there is “nothing gained…when someone falls victim” to the virus.

“For COVID-19, the facts, data evidence and the science are clear and in full view to all of us. Going up against this virus by going on with our daily lives, unvaccinated and unprotected, helps only the virus.”

Dix stopped short when asked about limiting access to medical care, or passing on partial costs of COVID-19 treatment to unvaccinated people.

He said healthcare was a fundamental right and the government would not prevent those who needed care from receiving it, regardless the reason.

B.C. soft-launched its vaccine passport system on Tuesday, Sept. 7 ahead of it coming into effect Sept. 13. The program will immediately limit access to non-essential indoor settings, such as restaurants, movie theatres and gyms, for unvaccinated individuals.

Beginning Oct. 24, two doses of vaccine or full immunization will be required.

To date, over 1.1 million people have downloaded their QR code-based passport.

Dix also said the government was “reviewing all options” when asked about additional measures for B.C. hospitals after recent anti-passport protests, including one in Nanaimo on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

“There is an absolute right to dissent in our country, you’re allowed to express your views. But to interfere with cancer patients and heart patients and grieving families and people who need to use the emergency room is not on. There are places to demonstrate that are not our public hospitals.”

Island Health confirmed 81 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, including 27 from the central Vancouver Island area.

The number of active cases in the health authority jumped 43 to 428, with 180 stemming from the central region.

There is a data discrepancy between Island Health and the province, based on the timing of COVID-19 results. NanaimoNewsNOW reports local verified data from Island Health.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, 17 people are in Island hospitals with all but three receiving intensive care.

Across B.C., 774 new cases were announced by the province. Active cases rose marginally to 5,594 including 262 people in hospital.

Five people died from complications related to COVID-19, including one from the Island Health authority.

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