City of Quesnel to rescind its' COVID-19 Policy effective Dec 1st, 2022

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Effective December 1, 2022, the City of Quesnel will be rescinding its Mandatory Vaccination Policy. Mandatory vaccination against the COVID-19 virus will no longer be required for City staff, volunteers, and contractors. 

In late 2021, the City introduced a mandatory vaccination policy in order to provide a safe work environment for its employees, contractors, and visitors and to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Since the start of the pandemic, the health and safety of the City’s workforce and residents have been a top priority.  COVID-19 has now become one of several respiratory illnesses that are prevalent locally and the impact of the virus on our community and the City of Quesnel organization is changing.

The City will continue to closely monitor the evolving public health information and the COVID-19 situation to protect the health and safety of its employees. As an employer, the City will continue to take every precaution reasonable to safeguard employees from workplace hazards, including COVID-19.

Public health officials continue to communicate that vaccination is the best way to keep ourselves, our co-workers, and our community safe. The City continues to strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help protect themselves and others, including a fall booster dose to prevent severe illness.

New fund launched for community events

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province will begin accepting applications on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, to support B.C.-based events through the new Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.

“We know that people have been missing community fairs, festivals and events, and organizers have made tremendous sacrifices to keep us all safe,” said the Hon. Melanie Mark, BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We’re proud to support local events, so people can gather safely with family and friends, in groups and close to home as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic.”

The Government of B.C. is providing up to $12.9 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event will be up to 20% of the total event budget, to a maximum of $250,000 per application.

Eligible events include sport, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs, rodeos and exhibitions. Applications submitted by organizations will be required to demonstrate local or regional support and show the economic and social benefits for the community.

“We thank the Province for its continued recognition of the significant challenges our sector is facing through ongoing financial support,” said Shelley Frost, CEO, Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. “For communities large and small across this province, the local fair is a part of the social fabric. It’s a place to come together and celebrate, and this assistance will help ensure it continues on an ongoing basis.”

Applications are being accepted until Oct. 1, 2021, for eligible events that take place between July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

“We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces at our next concert and event,” said Mike Hann, festival director, Lake Town Events. “It’s been a long 18 months since we’ve been able to gather, and this support from government will help festival organizers hit the ground running to get back to the normal we miss so much.”

Learn More:

To see the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund criteria and application, visit: gov.bc.ca/fairs-festivals-events-recovery

For a complete list of pandemic supports for the tourism industry, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan-boosts-bc-tourism-industry

August 25th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, 83.5% (3,869,329) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.4% (3,493,119) received their second dose.

In addition, 84.2% (3,642,878) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 76.5% (3,308,987) received their second dose.

B.C. is reporting 698 new cases of COVID-19, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 161,969 cases in the province.

There are 5,356 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 154,669 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 139 individuals are in hospital and 75 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 203 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 1,294
• 129 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 1,347
• 252 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 1,911
• 45 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 322
• 69 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 470
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 12

In the past 24 hours, one new death (Fraser Health) has been reported, for an overall total of 1,802. 

There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks at Brock Fahrni (Vancouver Coastal Health) and Spring Valley Care Centre (Interior Health), for a total of 14 active outbreaks, including:

• long-term care: Heritage Village (Fraser Health), Brock Fahrni (Vancouver Coastal Health), Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre and Spring Valley Care Centre (Interior Health)
• acute care: Peace Arch Hospital (Fraser Health)
• assisted or independent living: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge (Interior Health)

From Aug. 10-23, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 83.3% of cases and 85.0% of hospitalizations.

Cases (Aug. 23):

• Unvaccinated: 372 (68.4%)
• Partially vaccinated: 53 (9.7%)
• Fully vaccinated: 119 (21.9%)

Cases (Aug. 17-23):

• Unvaccinated: 3,051 (66.8%)
• Partially vaccinated: 535 (16.5%)
• Fully vaccinated: 752 (16.6%)

Hospitalizations (Aug. 10-23):

• Unvaccinated: 144 (77.0%)
• Partially vaccinated: 15 (8.0%)
• Fully vaccinated: 28 (15.0%)

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 7,369,741 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the new provincial health officer’s order on masks in public indoor settings, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25217

For the Aug. 23, 2021, announcement on proof of vaccination in B.C., visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25211

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

For new health measures in the Central Okanagan, visit:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/IB_COVID_Outbreak_6%20August.pdf

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf

Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (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: www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/data-outbreaks
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

City of Williams Lake/New COVID-19 Restrictions in Interior Health

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The provincial health order previously implemented in the Central Okanagan at the beginning of summer has now been expanded to include the entire Interior Health region, effective midnight August 20, 2021. The City of Williams Lake urges everyone to continue to follow best health practices as we continue to navigate the pandemic, including staying home if you feel unwell or have symptoms; limiting social interactions to household/core bubble members only; physical distancing; wearing a mask; and diligent sanitizing and hand washing.

Under the order, until further notice, indoor personal gatherings will be limited to one other household, or five guests, and indoor and outdoor gatherings will have a 50 person limit and must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place. More information can be found on the Province’s website at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions.

The following are included under the updated order:

• Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at restaurants for groups up to six people and liquor service must stop at 10 p.m.

• Casinos may remain open with a COVID-19 safety plan in place

• Nightclubs and bars are ordered to close (only those establishments with a full meal service may stay open)

• Sports and exercise:

• Indoor low-intensity group exercise is permitted with reduced capacity

• Indoor high-intensity group exercise is not permitted during this time

• Gatherings in vacation rentals (including houseboats) are limited to five guests, plus the occupants

• Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household

• Indoor organized gatherings and outdoor organized gatherings (e.g., weddings, funerals, seated events) are limited to no more than 50 people with a COVID-19 safety plan in place

• Non-essential travel to and from the Interior Health Region should be avoided

• Masks remain mandatory for all people age 12 and older in indoor public areas

At this time, City facilities remain open, with restrictions in place. City Hall continues normal operations with face covering, physical distancing, and sanitization procedures ongoing. However, the City requests that individuals consider visiting City Hall only if absolutely necessary, or if requested by a staff member. City Hall has a drop box at the front of the building for payments and correspondence. Please visit the City’s website at www.williamslake.ca for a staff directory.

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is cancelling all high intensity group fitness classes until further notice. City staff will contact all individuals who pre-registered for high-intensity indoor adult group fitness programs and a full refund will be provided. Please call the Complex at 250.398.7665 for more information.

The following approved recreation and fitness activities will continue:

• Low intensity group fitness classes (to a maximum of 10 registrants)

• Public swim and public skate (approved individual/family bubble activities);

• Indoor individual workouts, and workouts with a personal trainer;

• Youth programming (21 and under), both indoor and outdoor; and

• Outdoor fitness, both low intensity and high intensity.

As the COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving, the City will adapt its response and level of service to meet the requirements of both Interior Health and the Province.

The City will update its residents as soon as any developments occur. For up-to-date information regarding the local response to the COVID-19 situation, with relevant links to current information, visit www.williamslake.ca/COVID-19.

New COVID-19 Measures for Interior Health wide

Courtesy of the Interior Health Authority:

Interior Health (IH) is introducing new public health orders covering the entire Interior Health region to manage COVID-19 activity. 

Effective immediately: 

• Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces for people 12 years and older. 

• Low-intensity indoor group exercise is permitted to a maximum 10 people per class. High Intensity indoor group exercise is not permitted. 

• Outdoor group exercise is permitted up to 50 people per class. 

Effective Monday, Aug. 23 at 8 a.m.: 

• Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one additional household. 

• Indoor personal gatherings are limited to ten guests or one other household. 

• Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g. birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people. 

• Organized indoor gatherings (e.g. weddings, funerals, seated events) are limited to 50 people, and outdoors gatherings are limited to 100 people, both requiring a COVID-19 safety plan. 

The previous orders for central Okanagan food and liquor establishments remain in place. These measures will remain in place until the end of September and Interior Health experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates. 

“While we are beginning to see cases in the central Okanagan slowly plateau, we are seeing more cases in other areas of Interior Health,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “We are calling on all young adults to get your vaccine, especially those who work in jobs where you interact with the public. It is the most effective way to protect yourself and to reduce transmission in the community.” 

Most people are being exposed at social gatherings, work places or in private households. The delta variant is leading to faster transmission and more severe outcomes for younger people. Immunization remains the most effective prevention against COVID-19. “The vast majority of our cases are in people who are unimmunized or partially immunized and in adults between 20-40 years old. For those who haven’t yet gotten their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please get it now. Getting immunized will help keep our hospital beds open for treating people with other illnesses and needing surgery,” said Interior Health medical health officer, Dr. Rob Parker. 

The interval between first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses has decreased to 28 days for everyone. People can get vaccinated by dropping into any IH immunization clinic or by booking an appointment. Pop-up clinics are being added in communities throughout the region. All clinic locations and details area available here: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-clinics/

Testing continues to be available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. People can book an appointment online here or call 1.877.740.7747 between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. How to get vaccinated People can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any IH immunization clinic or by making an appointment. To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, call 1-833-838-2323, or visit a Service BC office listed here, and then book an appointment. For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/ 

To learn about B.C.’s Restart Plan and COVID-19 Immunization Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid 

August 13th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, 82.4% (3,818,952) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 72.0% (3,337,348) received their second dose.

In addition, 83.2% (3,599,872) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 73.6% (3,183,232) received their second dose.

B.C. is reporting 717 new cases of COVID-19, including 11 epi-linked cases, for a total of 155,079 cases in the province.

There are 4,277 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 148,964 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 82 individuals are in hospital and 39 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 140 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 821
• 101 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 593
• 376 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 2,446
• 60 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 163
• 40 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 245
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: nine

In the past 24 hours, no new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 1,779.

There are 11 active outbreaks in:

• long-term care: Holyrood Manor, Kin Village West Court, Evergreen Baptist Care Society (Fraser Health), Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre, Village at Mill Creek (Interior Health) and Discovery Harbour (Island Health)
• assisted or independent living: Hawthorn Park and David Lloyd Jones (Interior Health)
• acute care: none

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 7,164,020 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

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

For new health measures in the Central Okanagan, visit:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/IB_COVID_Outbreak_6%20August.pdf

People throughout B.C. can find their nearest Vax for BC event online by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/VaxForBC

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf
Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control's (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/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

August 12th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, 82.3% (3,814,635) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71.6% (3,318,751) received their second dose.

In addition, 83.1% (3,596,148) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 73.3% (3,168,620) received their second dose.

B.C. is reporting 513 new cases of COVID-19, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 154,362 cases in the province.

There are 3,834 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 148,702 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 81 individuals are in hospital and 33 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 108 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 750
• 92 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 539
• 271 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 2,199
• 13 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 116
• 29 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 220
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 10

In the past 24 hours, one new death (Interior Health) has been reported, for an overall total of 1,779.

There are eight active outbreaks in:

• long-term care: Holyrood Manor, Kin Village West Court, Evergreen Baptist Care Society (Fraser Health), Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre (Interior Health) and Discovery Harbour (Island Health)
• acute care: none
• assisted or independent living: none

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 7,141,196 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

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

For new health measures in the Central Okanagan, visit:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/IB_COVID_Outbreak_6%20August.pdf

People throughout B.C. can find their nearest Vax for BC event online by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/VaxForBC

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf
Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control's (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/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

August 11th, 2021 BC COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, 82.2% (3,809,806) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71.1% (3,296,603) have received their second dose.

In addition, 83.0% (3,592,053) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 72.9% (3,151,609) have received their second dose.

B.C. is reporting 536 new cases of COVID-19, including four epi-linked cases, for a total of 153,849 cases in the province.

There are 3,585 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 148,446 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 72 individuals are in hospital and 29 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 135 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 699
• 105 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 493
• 258 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 2,045
• 12 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 116
• 26 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 222
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 10

In the past 24 hours, one new death (Interior Health) has been reported, for an overall total of 1,778.

There are eight active outbreaks in:

• long-term care: Holyrood Manor, Kin Village West Court, Evergreen Baptist Care Society (Fraser Health); Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre(Interior Health); and Discovery Harbour (Island Health).
• acute care: none
• assisted or independent living: none

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 7,114,250 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For new health measures in the Central Okanagan, visit:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/IB_COVID_Outbreak_6%20August.pdf

People throughout B.C. can find their nearest Vax for BC event online by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/VaxForBC

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf
Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control's (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/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

August 9th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, 82.0% (3,801,960) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 70.3% (3,257,931) have received their second dose.

In addition, 82.9% (3,585,467) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 72.2% (3,121,816) have received their second dose.

Over a three-day period, B.C. is reporting 1,079 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 152,918 cases in the province:

• Aug. 6-7: 422 new cases
• Aug. 7-8: 364 new cases
• Aug. 8-9: 293 new cases

There are currently 3,036 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 148,066 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 68 individuals are in hospital and 20 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 258 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 586
• 142 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 387
• 587 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 1,755
• 30 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 108
• 62 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 188
• no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 12

In the past 72 hours, five new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 1,777.

The new deaths include:

• Interior Health: four
• Northern Health: one

There are seven active outbreaks in:

• long-term care: Holyrood Manor; Kin Village West Court (Fraser Health); Nelson Jubilee Manor; Kootenay Street Village; Cottonwoods Care Centre; Brookhaven Care Centre (Interior Health); and Discovery Harbour (Island Health).
• acute care: none
• assisted or independent living: none

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 7,067,738 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

To help address community outbreaks and increased cases of the virus among people who have only one dose of the vaccine, the Province will begin offering second-dose appointments at an earlier interval, based on vaccine and appointment availability.

Currently, invitations for the second dose go to people 49 days after their first dose. The Province is transitioning toward offering second-dose vaccinations for people as early as 28 days after their first dose.

Starting this evening, Monday, Aug. 9, invitations to book second-dose appointments will be sent, based on the new 28-day minimum interval. This timeframe will be the same for those who received Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca for their first dose.

Receiving a second dose earlier is particularly important in high-transmission communities. The recommendation from public health for those not living or working in high-transmission communities continues to be to wait six to eight weeks after the first dose to receive the second dose.

Every person is recommended to get fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.

Learn More:

For new health measures in the Central Okanagan, visit:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/IB_COVID_Outbreak_6%20August.pdf

People throughout B.C. can find their nearest Vax for BC event online by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/VaxForBC

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf
Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control's (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/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

August 6th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Province of BC:

As of Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, 81.8% (3,790,394) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 68.9% (3,195,128) received their second dose.

In addition, 82.7% (3,575,597) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 71.0% (3,071,655) received their second dose.

B.C. is reporting 464 new cases of COVID-19, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 151,839 cases in the province.

There are 2,411 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 147,627 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 52 individuals are in hospital and 24 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

The new/active cases include:

• 72 new cases in Fraser Health
  • Total active cases: 486
• 60 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Total active cases: 324
• 275 new cases in Interior Health
  • Total active cases: 1,356
• 29 new cases in Northern Health
  • Total active cases: 88
• 27 new cases in Island Health
  • Total active cases: 145
• one new case of a person who resides outside of Canada
  • Total active cases: 12

In the past 24 hours, no new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 1,772.

There are six active outbreaks in:

• long-term care: Holyrood Manor (Fraser Health), Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre (Interior Health) and Discovery Harbour (Island Health)
• acute care: none
• assisted or independent living: none

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 6,993,104 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

People throughout B.C. can find their nearest Vax for BC event online by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/VaxForBC

For information on breakthrough cases, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-27_breakthrough_cases.pdf
Or see the BC Centre for Disease Control's (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/getvaccinated.html
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

To learn about BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

For recent modelling, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

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://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
• Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures