Modelling group says B.C.’s underreporting of COVID-19 data makes personal risk assessment harder – CBC

The BA.5 Omicron wave of the virus is showing no signs of slowing, according to experts

Oct 16, 2022

An independent modelling group says that B.C. is underreporting all major COVID-19 metrics, making it impossible for residents to know their true risk.

According to a report published last week by the B.C. COVID-19 Modelling Group, blood sample data shows that the number of new cases could be underreported by as much as 100 times.

The group, which consists of experts from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria, also says that population-level immunity to the virus is waning.

Sarah Otto, one of the co-authors of the report, says that the province was still at a “high level” of infections and hospitalizations.

“I think that’s going to get worse unless people really ratchet up their protections,” she said.

“Including getting vaccinated, but doing as much as they can to minimize risks, by interacting in well-ventilated spaces and with masks on.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-modelling-group-fall-wave-1.6617650