B.C. records 59 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths

B.C. health officials announced 59new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths onWednesday.

A written statement from the Ministry of Healthsaid there are currently 624active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.

A total of 86people are in hospital, with 20in intensive care.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are down by 20.3per cent from last Wednesday, when 108people were in hospital with the disease.

The number of patients in intensive care is down by about 41.1 per cent from oneweek ago.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is now 1,759lives lost out of 147,856confirmed cases to date.

So far, 78.2per cent of people aged 12 and older have received their first dose of aCOVID-19 vaccine. About 38per cent have received their second dose.

Vaccinations and recreation

As of Monday, Canadians coming home from abroad who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine for two weeks.

In B.C., the provincial state of emergency and public health emergency have been lifted and residents are free to move unrestricted around the province.

Residents from other provinces who have been fully vaccinated are also welcome to travel in B.C.

Fairs and festivals have been greenlit, aslong as a public health safety plan is in place.

Health officials have stressed the importance of vaccinations as activity levels increase. Anyone who has not yet registered for a vaccine in B.C. can do so in the following ways:

• Online through theGet Vaccinated portal.
• By calling 1-833-838-2323. Translators are available in 140 languages.
• In person at anyService B.C. location.