(Files by Catherine Garrett-MyPGNow)
For the first time since November 9th, the daily COVID-19 case count has fallen below 600, and, the first Pfizer vaccines have reached the arms of healthcare workers.
“Today is a momentous day in our province with the start of our first COVID-19 vaccine clinics. With immunizations now underway, those who are most vulnerable to severe illness have one more layer of protection that will get stronger as each new person gets immunized,” said Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry.
“Even as we look to brighter days ahead, we must remember that the pandemic is far from over. This is why, as we enter this next stage, using our layers of protection and following all of the public health orders is more important than ever.”
There were 522 new cases of COVID-19 reported in B.C.
That total includes 56 new cases in Interior Health, and 37 in Northern Health.
Province-wide, there are 9,860 active cases, with 361 people in hospital and 93 in ICU.
21 new COVID-19 related deaths were announced today, for a total of 668 in British Columbia.
Currently, 10,768 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of exposure.
The recovery rate is 73.3 percent.
Meanwhile, there have been two new community outbreaks at the Teck Resources Elkview and Fording River operations and a community cluster at Big White Ski Resort in Interior Health.
North: + 37 (1,368)
Interior: + 56 (2,907)
Vancouver Coastal: + 84 (10,620)
Fraser : + 338 (27,679)
Island: + 7 (794)