January 31st, 2022 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, 89.9% (4,480,231) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 84% (4,184,629) have received their second dose.

In addition, 92.7% (4,297,961) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 90.1% (4,174,214) received their second dose and 45.9% (2,125,735) have received a third dose.

Also, 93.1% (4,025,838) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 90.5% (3,914,947) received their second dose and 49.1% (2,123,835) have received a third dose.

Over a three-day period, B.C. is reporting 4,075 new cases of COVID-19, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 324,615, cases in the province.

• Jan. 28-29: 1,725
• Jan. 29-30: 1,293
• Jan. 30-31: 1,057

There are currently 27,454 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 293,124 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 1,048 COVID-positive individuals are currently in hospital and 138 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 1,225 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 11,503
• 645 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 5,685
• 1,182 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 7,589
• 447 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 1,298
• 575 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 1,364
• one new case of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 15

In the past 72 hours, 19 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,616.

The new deaths include:

• Fraser Health: two
• Vancouver Coastal Health: six
• Interior Health: eight
• Island Health: three

There have been eight new health-care facility outbreaks at Kelowna General Hospital, Dr. Andrew Pavilion, Poplar Ridge, Monashee Mews, Noric House, McKinney Place, Glenmore Lodge, Summerland Senior’s Village (Interior Health). The outbreaks at Surrey Memorial Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital, CareLife Fleetwood (Fraser Health), Sun Pointe Village, Hamlets in Vernon (Interior Health), Mount St. Mary, Oyster Harbour and Parkwood Court (Island Health) have been declared over, for a total of 58 facilities with ongoing outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • George Derby Centre, Menno Hospital, Buchanan Lodge, Eden Care Centre, Cascade Lodge, Mountain View Manor, Queen's Park Care Centre, Royal City Manor, Residence at Clayton Heights (Fraser Health)
  • Evergreen House, Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Vancouver Coastal Health)
  • Lakeview Lodge, Heritage Square, Village at Smith Creek, Westview Place, Pinegrove Care Centre, Mariposa Gardens, Joseph Creek Care Village, Hamlets at Penticton, Mount Ida Mews, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Dr. Andrew Pavilion, Poplar Ridge, Monashee Mews, Noric House, McKinney Place, Glenmore Lodge (Interior Health)
  • Eden Gardens, Glenwarren Lodge, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Saanich Peninsula Hospital - Long Term Care, Dufferin Place, Beacon Hill Villa, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, James Bay Care Centre, Veterans Memorial Lodge, Sunset Lodge, Eagle Ridge Manor, Comox Valley Seniors Village, Fir Park Village, The Summit, Echo Village, Arrowsmith Lodge, Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence, Woodgrove Manor, Amica on the Gorge and The Gardens at Qualicum Beach (Island Health)
• acute care:
  • Langley Memorial Hospital, Laurel Place, Queen's Park Care Centre (Fraser Health)
  • Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Cowichan District Hospital (Island Health)
  • Kelowna General Hospital (Interior Health)
• assisted or independent living:
  • Crestview Village and Summerland Senior’s Village (Interior Health)
  • Nanaimo Seniors Village (Island Health)

From Jan. 21-27, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 26% of cases and from Jan. 14-27, they accounted for 30.6% of hospitalizations.

Past week cases (Jan. 21-27) - Total 12,166

• Not vaccinated: 2,549 (21%)
• Partially vaccinated: 610 (5%)
• Fully vaccinated: 9,007 (74%)

Past two weeks cases hospitalized (Jan. 14-27) - Total 1,333

• Not vaccinated: 349 (26.2%)
• Partially vaccinated: 59 (4.4%)
• Fully vaccinated: 925 (69.4%)

Past week, cases per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Jan. 21-27)

• Not vaccinated: 430
• Partially vaccinated: 180.4
• Fully vaccinated: 215.7

Past two weeks, cases hospitalized per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Jan. 14-27)

• Not vaccinated: 88.4
• Partially vaccinated: 47.8
• Fully vaccinated: 19.8

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 10,748,814 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the Jan. 28, 2022, presentation, Two Years of Working Together, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/1-28-22_COVID-19_Update.pdf

For the Jan. 21, 2022, presentation on COVID-19 hospitalization risk, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/1.21.22_COVID_Hospitalizations.pdf

For the Jan. 14, 2022, modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/14.01.22_Covid19Modelling.pdf

For weekly update on Variants of Concern (VOC), visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/VoC/VoC_Weekly_20220128.pdf

For information on booster doses, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

For the Dec. 21, 2021, announcement on additional COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0234-002431

For the Dec. 21, 2021, PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19 updated measures, boosters and rapid antigen testing in B.C., visit:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CovidMeasures.pdf

For the Dec. 17, 2021, announcement on new COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0230-002414

For the Nov. 23, 2021, announcement on COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged 5-11, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0209-002245

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/children

For information on a third dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#immunocompromised

As they become available, information on school outbreaks will be posted online: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures

For surgical renewal commitment progress reports, visit:

• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-April-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-Apr-May-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-May-June-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-June-July-2021.pdf

To learn about how B.C. counts its daily COVID-19 cases in hospitals, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0058-001844

To learn about the BC Vaccine Card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

For the Aug. 12, 2021, announcement on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care workers, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25143

For information on breakthrough cases, see the BCCDC weekly data summary: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#summary

Detailed data is posted daily on the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data or: www.bccdc.ca

To register to be immunized or to learn about getting your second dose, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register

Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For guidance on restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information, visit:

• BCCDC: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
• Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
• Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19/public-exposures
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/data-outbreaks-facilities
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

Mineral Exploration Week 2022

Courtesy of the Government of BC/Hon. Bruce Ralston, BC's Energy/Mines Minister:

“British Columbia is home to a world-class mining jurisdiction and a thriving mineral-exploration sector.

“The responsibly sourced metals and minerals found in B.C. are crucial to the global low-carbon supply chain.

“Mineral exploration occurs in every part of our province, employing thousands of people, with a cluster of mining companies headquartered on the Lower Mainland.

“British Columbia’s mineral exploration companies and their service and supply providers are world leaders in worker safety, environmental management and modern technology.

“Mineral exploration in British Columbia is truly a collaborative venture involving industry, Indigenous groups and communities throughout the province.

"Mineral Exploration Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that the industry and its people, including geoscientists, make to the economy and communities of British Columbia.

“Please join me in celebrating B.C.’s world-class mineral exploration sector during Mineral Exploration Week 2022.”

Post Event Report - Virtual 2022 BC Natural Resources Forum

As is my practice after attendance at Conventions, Forums or Seminars paid by local taxpayers -- find below my Post Event Report respecting my attendance at the virtual 2022 BC Natural Resources Forum

The report can be viewed here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of Jan 31-Feb 4th

For the week of Monday, January 31st to Friday, February 4th, 2022 -- the following local governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 1st at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Feasibility of a Standing Wave feature in the Quesnel River Concept Design and Cost Estimates - Riley Adams, Project Engineer/Manager, S20 Design & Engineering

* Committee Reports

* Discussion Items from Mayor Simpson as follows -- Residential School Memorial Project (near Quesnel City Hall) and Shiraoi Twinning Update

* Revitalization Project Update (Davie Street)

* 2022 DRAFT Operating Budget/City of Quesnel

* City of Quesnel RV Park, Camp Host and Park Operator Agreement

* City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1920 of 2022 (Technical Amendments)

* Development Servicing Bylaw - Final Adoption

* City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1920 of 2022 - First, Second and Third Readings

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below, all in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

1) Committee of the Whole -- Thursday, February 3rd at 11am.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Josh Pressey from FLNRORD regarding Old Growth Deferral Policy

* Telecommunication Siting Policy 

* In-Camera Session: Section 90(1c, 1i, 1k - labour, legal advice and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (Regular Meeting) -- Friday, February 4th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Hospital Consent Calendar

* Interior Health Capital Projects Update - Dec 2021

* IH Capital Requests for the 2022/23 Fiscal Year

* In-Camera Session: Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District (Regular Meeting) -- Friday, February 4th, following adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Land Use Matters

* Addition to Reserve - Nazko First Nation

* Authorize 2 NCLGA Resolutions for consideration at the 2022 NCLGA Convention at Fort St John, BC

* Committee/Commission recommendations for endorsement by the Regional Board

* Various Corporate Bylaws for 3 Readings/Adoption

* 2022-23 NCLGA Cariboo RD Regional Rep appointment - Notice only.  Appointment to be done in March 2022

*In-Camera Session: Section 90(1a and 1j - appointment and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

January 28th, 2022 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, 89.8% (4,474,039) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.8% (4,174,992) have received their second dose.

In addition, 92.7% (4,295,487) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 90.0% (4,171,222) received their second dose and 43.9% (2,033,321) have received a third dose.

Also, 93.0% (4,023,652) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 90.5% (3,912,317) have received their second dose and 47.0% (2,031,592) have received a third dose.

B.C. is reporting 2,137 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 321,043 cases in the province.

Note: The numbers of total and new cases are provisional due to a delayed data refresh and will be verified once confirmed.

There are 30,515 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 286,134 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 990 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 141 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 740 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 12,928
• 394 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 6,788
• 569 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 7,969
• 170 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 1,170
• 264 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 1,654
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: six

In the past 24 hours, nine new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,597.

The new deaths include:

• Fraser Health: five
• Vancouver Coastal Health: three
• Northern Health: one

There have been seven new health-care facility outbreaks at Residence at Clayton Heights (Fraser Health), Cottonwoods Care Centre (Interior Health), Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - fourth floor, Woodgrove Manor, Amica on the Gorge, The Gardens at Qualicum Beach and Cowichan District Hospital (Island Health). The outbreaks at Burnaby Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Hilton Villa Seniors Community, The Mayfair Senior Living + Care, Baillie House, Lakeshore Care Centre, Bevan Lodge, St. Michael’s Centre (Fraser Health), Sunrise of Victoria and Amica Douglas House (Island Health) have been declared over, for a total of 58 facilities with ongoing outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • George Derby Centre, Menno Hospital, Buchanan Lodge, Eden Care Centre, Cascade Lodge, Mountain View Manor, Queen's Park Care Centre, Royal City Manor, Residence at Clayton Heights (Fraser Health);
  • Evergreen House, Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Vancouver Coastal Health);
  • Sun Pointe Village, Lakeview Lodge, Hamlets in Vernon, Heritage Square, Village at Smith Creek, Westview Place, Pinegrove Care Centre, Mariposa Gardens, Joseph Creek Care Village, Hamlets at Penticton, Mount Ida Mews, Cottonwoods Care Centre (Interior Health);
  • Eden Gardens, Glenwarren Lodge, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Saanich Peninsula Hospital - long-term care, Oyster Harbour, Dufferin Place, Beacon Hill Villa, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, James Bay Care Centre, Veterans Memorial Lodge, Sunset Lodge, Eagle Ridge Manor, Comox Valley Seniors Village, Fir Park Village, The Summit, Parkwood Court, Echo Village, Mount St. Mary Hospital, Arrowsmith Lodge, Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence, Woodgrove Manor, Amica on the Gorge and The Gardens at Qualicum Beach (Island Health)
• acute care:
  • Surrey Memorial Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital, Laurel Place, Peace Arch Hospital, CareLife Fleetwood, Queen's Park Care Centre (Fraser Health);
  • Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Cowichan District Hospital (Island Health)
• assisted or independent living:
  • Crestview Village (Interior Health); and
  • Nanaimo Seniors Village (Island Health)

Note: The update on cases and hospitalizations by vaccination status is unavailable today.

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 10,640,763 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the Jan. 28, 2022, presentation, Two Years of Working Together, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/1-28-22_COVID-19_Update.pdf

For the Jan. 21, 2022, presentation on COVID-19 hospitalization risk, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/1.21.22_COVID_Hospitalizations.pdf

For the Jan. 14, 2022, modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/14.01.22_Covid19Modelling.pdf

For weekly update on Variants of Concern (VOC), visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/VoC/VoC_Weekly_20220121.pdf

For information on booster doses, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

For the Dec. 21, 2021, announcement on additional COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0234-002431

For the Dec. 21, 2021, PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19 updated measures, boosters and rapid antigen testing in B.C., visit: 
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CovidMeasures.pdf

For the Dec. 17, 2021, announcement on new COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0230-002414

For the Nov. 23, 2021, announcement on COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged 5-11, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0209-002245

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/children

For information on a third dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#immunocompromised

As they become available, information on school outbreaks will be posted online: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures

For surgical renewal commitment progress reports, visit:

• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-April-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-Apr-May-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-May-June-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-June-July-2021.pdf

To learn about how B.C. counts its daily COVID-19 cases in hospitals, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0058-001844

To learn about the BC Vaccine Card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

For the Aug. 12, 2021, announcement on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care workers, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25143

For information on breakthrough cases, see the BCCDC weekly data summary: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#summary

Detailed data is posted daily on the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data 
Or: www.bccdc.ca

To register to be immunized or to learn about getting your second dose, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For guidance on restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information, visit:

• BCCDC: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
• Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
• Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19/public-exposures
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/data-outbreaks-facilities
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

Cariboo-Chilcotin Orgs. receive Public Safety/Environment Grants from BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Congratulations are offered to the following organizations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin for receiving Public Safety or Environment Grants, as part of BC's Community Gaming Grant program:

 Public Safety: 

Big Lake Community Association - $25,200 for local Fire Department 

Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department Society - $23,000 

Likely and District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Society - $12,000 

McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society - $34,600 

Environment: 

Baker Creek Enhancement Society (Quesnel) - $44,000

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society (Williams Lake) - $25,000 

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia Society (Williams Lake) - $150,000 

Potato House Sustainable Community Society (Williams Lake) - $7,000 

Williams Lake Field Naturalists - $16,000

More than 250 not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. are receiving Community Gaming Grants to support environmental conservation and public safety programs. 

“This funding helps not-for-profit organizations continue to provide vital programming and supports to people so they can thrive and feel safer and healthier in their communities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are supporting local organizations that are committed to a wide range of activities that enhance the environment and improve public safety, including search and rescue, restorative justice, conservation and wildlife preservation, and more.” 

The Province is providing approximately $4.9 million to 135 environmental-sector organizations this year. These programs help people to learn about, connect with and enhance and protect the environment.

Examples of programs funded include:

• ocean literacy, species protection and green boating education for the Georgia Strait Alliance in Nanaimo;  
• public education programs and restoration at Maplewood Flats Conservation area for the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia in North Vancouver; and
• education, advocacy and outreach, wellness, and the cat-sanctuary program through the Regional Animal Protection Society in Richmond.

“Funding and grants are essential to our ability to do the necessary work to deepen connections within coastal communities around environmental stewardship and increase interest and awareness around regional issues in the Canadian waters of the Salish Sea and inland waters, which ultimately intersect and help support the health of communities, their economies and the overall environment,” said Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director, Georgia Strait Alliance.

Organizations providing emergency and safety services are receiving approximately $5.5 million to deliver their community-led programs. These include restorative justice, volunteer firefighting, emergency preparedness, and search and rescue.

Examples of the programs funded include:

• delivering the Community Restorative Justice program through the Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society;
• training, equipment and gear for the Ground Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two all-terrain vehicles and two trailers for the Vernon Search and Rescue Group Society; and
• training, equipment and gear for the Marine Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two outboard boat engines for the Fraser Marine Rescue Society in Richmond.

“The Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society provides support for court diversion to nearby communities, as well as facilitator training and support for other similar programs,” said Doug McPhee, program co-ordinator. “Funding from sources like Community Gaming Grants and the valued contributions of volunteers provide restorative justice groups in our area the opportunity to operate at a modest level and provide a valued service in our communities.”

Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million from gaming revenues to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in B.C. communities.

Quick Facts:

• Every year, commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services in B.C. communities.
• In addition to public safety and environmental conservation, Community Gaming Grants fund arts, culture and sport, and human and social services, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for one of the six sectors of Community Gaming Grants, as well as a capital-project grant.

Learn More:

A full list of environment and public safety grant recipients is available online:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_YTD_Apr_Dec_21_PublicSafety_Env.pdf

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

Stronger BC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/   

For updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and government response, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Cariboo RD Regional Library Staffing Update

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District Library is currently experiencing staff shortages at some of our branches. Temporary closures may be in effect. We encourage patrons to check with their local branch before visiting at this time. Contact information for all branches can be found at: http://cln.ca/Contact.htm.

Digital services are always available through our webpage (cln.ca), including reservation and check-out of e-books, as well as traditional print materials, audio, and video recordings. You can also access catalogues, databases, and resources such as online D-I-Y auto repair instruction, interactive materials for children, and digital talking books. For those who cannot currently physically enter a branch for any reason, Curbside Checkout service is still available. Contact your local library branch by phone to arrange this service.

Please remember, provincial COVID-19 restrictions are in place when at our library branches. A vaccine passport is not required, but you must wear a mask if you are age 5 and over, don’t enter if you are feeling ill, remain at a distance of 2 m (6 ft) from others, respect the limits on how many people are permitted in the branch at one time, use the provided hand sanitizer when entering, and be aware that staff may only be able to help you from behind the Plexiglas barrier. In addition, washroom facilities may be limited or unavailable in some branches.

Public library spaces are shared by everyone. We recognize that this is a stressful time for many. Please be patient with others who may be experiencing a difficult time or hold views different from your own. We continue to explore solutions for continued library service throughout the region and thank the public for their support as we work towards a resumption of regular service levels.

January 27th, 2022 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, 89.7% (4,471,873) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.7% (4,171,956) have received their second dose.

In addition, 92.6% (4,294,225) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 90.0% (4,169,419) have received their second dose and 43.0% (1,993,191) have received a third dose.

Also, 93.0% (4,022,496) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 90.4% (3,910,652) received their second dose and 46.0% (1,991,534) have received a third dose.

B.C. is reporting 2,033 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 318,906 cases in the province.

Note: The numbers of total and new cases are provisional due to a delayed data refresh and will be verified once confirmed.

There are 29,556 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 284,832 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 977 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 141 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 685 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 12,351
• 378 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 6,614
• 539 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 7,669
• 165 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 1,147
• 266 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 1,768
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: seven

In the past 24 hours, 13 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,588.

The new deaths include:

• Fraser Health: seven
• Vancouver Coastal Health: four
• Interior Health: one
• Island Health: one

There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Nanaimo Seniors Village (Island Health). The outbreak at Kelowna General Hospital (Interior Health) has been declared over, for a total of 62 facilities with ongoing outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • George Derby Centre, Hilton Villa Seniors Community, Mayfair Senior Living + Care, Menno Hospital, Buchanan Lodge, St. Michael’s Centre, Eden Care Centre, Lakeshore Care Centre, Baillie House, Bevan Lodge, Cascade Lodge, Mountain View Manor, Queen's Park Care Centre, Royal City Manor (Fraser Health);
  • Evergreen House, Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Vancouver Coastal Health);
  • Sun Pointe Village, Lakeview Lodge, Hamlets in Vernon, Heritage Square, Village at Smith Creek, Westview Place, Pinegrove Care Centre, Mariposa Gardens, Joseph Creek Care Village, Hamlets at Penticton, Mount Ida Mews (Interior Health);
  • Amica Douglas House, Eden Gardens, Glenwarren Lodge, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Saanich Peninsula Hospital – long-term care, Oyster Harbour, Dufferin Place, Beacon Hill Villa, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, James Bay Care Centre, Veterans Memorial Lodge, Sunset Lodge, Eagle Ridge Manor, Sunrise of Victoria, Comox Valley Seniors Village, Fir Park Village, The Summit, Parkwood Court, Echo Village, Mount St. Mary Hospital, Arrowsmith Lodge and Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence (Island Health)
• acute care:
  • Surrey Memorial Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital, Laurel Place, Burnaby Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital, CareLife Fleetwood, Queen's Park Care Centre (Fraser Health);
  • Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Island Health)
• assisted or independent living:
  • Crestview Village (Interior Health); and
  • Nanaimo Seniors Village (Island Health)

Note: Due to a delayed refresh in data, the update on cases and hospitalizations by vaccination status is unavailable.

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 10,596,211 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the Jan. 21, 2022, presentation on COVID-19 hospitalization risk, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/1.21.22_COVID_Hospitalizations.pdf

For the Jan. 14, 2022, modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/14.01.22_Covid19Modelling.pdf

For weekly update on Variants of Concern (VOC), visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/VoC/VoC_Weekly_20220121.pdf

For information on booster doses, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

For the Dec. 21, 2021, announcement on additional COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0234-002431

For the Dec. 21, 2021, PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19 updated measures, boosters and rapid antigen testing in B.C., visit: 
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CovidMeasures.pdf

For the Dec. 17, 2021, announcement on new COVID-19 measures, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0230-002414

For the Nov. 23, 2021, announcement on COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged 5-11, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0209-002245

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/children

For information on a third dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#immunocompromised

As they become available, information on school outbreaks will be posted online: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures

For surgical renewal commitment progress reports, visit:

• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-April-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-Apr-May-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-May-June-2021.pdf
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-June-July-2021.pdf

To learn about how B.C. counts its daily COVID-19 cases in hospitals, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0058-001844

To learn about the BC Vaccine Card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

For the Aug. 12, 2021, announcement on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care workers, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25143

For information on breakthrough cases, see the BCCDC weekly data summary: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#summary

Detailed data is posted daily on the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data 
Or: www.bccdc.ca

To register to be immunized or to learn about getting your second dose, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For guidance on restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information, visit:

• BCCDC: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
• Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
• Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19/public-exposures
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/data-outbreaks-facilities
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

#CaribooRD VFD Firefighter Roster Update of January 27th, 2022

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

CRD Emergency Response Continues at Normal Level

285 firefighters currently on active rosters across Cariboo Regional District

WILLIAMS LAKE –The announcement of a vaccine requirement for Cariboo Regional District volunteer fire fighters was met with broad acceptance across the region and vocal opposition in some communities -- as some members chose not to disclose their vaccination status. We understand and respect their decision and thank all volunteer firefighters, regardless of their vaccination status, for the important work they do.

The majority of volunteer firefighters in the CRD have now met the vaccination requirement. All volunteer halls are ready to respond to emergency call outs. The current roster strength in the region as of January 27, 2022, is provided below:

To find out more about volunteer fire departments and emergency response in the Cariboo, visit: cariboord.ca