Downward trend continues as B.C. records 229 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend and 3 more deaths

COVID-19 numbers continued to fall in B.C. Monday, as health officials announced 229 cases new casesand three more deaths over the last three days.

In the last 24 hours, the province confirmed just 45 new cases, marking the lowest one-day total since August of 2020. The seven-day rolling average of new cases has now dipped below 100 for the first time since October.

In a written statement marking the first update on the pandemic since Friday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dixsaid there are currently 1,204 active cases ofthe novel coronavirus in B.C.

"While we are progressing through BC's Restart plan, let's remember that the virus is still circulating in communities, here in B.C. and in neighbouring provinces and territories," Henry and Dix said.

"If you are planning a trip, ensure you are vaccinated before you go it is your ticket to safe travel this summer."

A total of 108people are in hospital, including 48in intensive care.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are down by 21per cent from last Monday, when 136people were in hospital with the disease.

Butthe number of patients in intensive care has risenin the same time period, up14 per cent from 42 a week ago.

One new outbreak has been reported atEagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody. Nine patients have now tested positive for the virus, according to Fraser Health.

So far,4,436,432doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 935,401second doses. As of Monday,77.3 per cent of B.C. adults and75.8 per cent of those over the age of 12 had received a shot.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is1,743, out of 147,131 confirmed cases to date. The seven-day rolling average of deaths from COVID-19 has now fallen to its lowest level since October.

Thousands vaccinated at weekend 'vax-a-thon'

The Fraser Health Authority hosted a 32-hour'vax-a-thon' over the weekend, where thousands of people received vaccinations.

Christine Mackie, director of operations with the authority,said around 5,700 people made appointments for the event at the Guildford Recreation Centre in Surrey, leaving 1,300 of their 7,000 doses available for drop-ins.

Across the province, anyone who has not yet registered to be immunized is encouraged by health officials to do so now.

British Columbiansaged 12 and over can register in three ways:

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

The province is aiming to have most people gettheirsecond dose of a COVID-19 vaccineeight weeks aftertheir first.

International travel restrictions easing July 5

On Monday, the federal government announced that fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents will be able to enter Canada and not need to quarantine starting July 5.

Those entering Canada will need to show documents proving they received two doses of thevaccines approved in Canada at least 14 days prior to entry. They'll also have to submit COVID-19-related information to the government's ArriveCANapp before arriving,meet the pre- and on-arrival test requirements, be asymptomaticand still have a suitable quarantine plan.

If approved, travellers will not have to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day eight.

Thosearriving by air will not be forced to stay at a government-authorized hotel, nor will non-vaccinated children or dependent adults travelling with them.

There are no changes to the border restrictions for travellers who are not fully vaccinated.