The province is again limiting who can visit residents in long term care in a bid to stem spread of the new omicron variant. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

boosters boosted

Isolation requirements reduced for vaccinated people, visitation rules change at long term care homes

Dec 31, 2021 | 10:48 AM

NANAIMO — The spread and nature of the Omicron variant is causing a tweak in B.C.’s response to the pandemic.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry adjusted B.C.’s mandate for self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, to fall in line with similar decisions made across Canada and the United States.

Fully vaccinated individuals can now return to community activities, while wearing a mask, five days after symptoms resolving. People without a vaccination history must remain isolated for the full 10 days.

“This is a risk mitigation strategy,” Dr. Henry said. “It doesn’t mean every single person will be through their infectious period, where they’re infectious to others, within five days, but a vast majority of people are.”

Henry added data is suggesting Omicron features a shorter incubation period so people are infectious earlier, however the illness itself subsides faster.

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Those who do test positive or have symptoms are still requested to stay away from high risk, indoor settings in the week after their five day isolation period.

While case numbers across B.C. continue skyrocketing amid an apparent fifth wave of infections, illness for those who are fully vaccinated continue to be reported as very mild.

Henry said challenges are arising with more people doing the right thing and staying at home if they’re not feeling well.

“It’s stretching some of our healthcare systems. The illness we’re seeing particularly in healthcare workers is starting to have impacts on our healthcare system and in our long term care system and yesterday we’ve had a number of outbreaks again in long term care.”

Spread of the virus is confirmed through multiple avenues, including testing centres, hospitalizations as well as surveillance, including through wastewater.

In a bid to regain a measure of control on case counts, the province is looking to push ahead with its booster program, providing a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Boosters are available for those wanting to receive one six months after their second dose.

Henry said those who are pregnant can skip the line regardless of age, provided they’re six months removed from dose two.

“People who are pregnant, we know are at higher risk from severe illness from COVID-19 that can affect both them and their baby which means we are now prioritizing your access to booster doses.”

Women can contact public health at 1-833-838-2323 and self-identify as pregnant to book a shot.

Dr. Penny Ballum, lead of B.C.’s immunization program, said Friday, Dec. 31 the average wait time between booking an appointment and receiving a third dose is between one and five weeks, depending on location.

The province is looking to bring more capacity into immunization centres through inviting recently retired or otherwise qualified individuals to come back to work temporarily.

She said capacity will be added on a week to week basis, with people potentially able to move their appointment up if extra capacity becomes available.

Health minister Adrian Dix said the province is 175,000 vaccine doses ahead of its schedule, while 38 per cent of those aged five to 11 have received a pediatric dose.

Public health is also putting a temporary pause on most visits to long term care. Effective Saturday, Jan. 1, only essential visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities.

Henry did not elaborate on who constituted an “essential” visitor.

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