VICTORIA – Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the COVID-19 response in British Columbia:

“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples everywhere and take this day to recognize the strength and resilience that has been shown through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today, we are reporting that 77.3% of all adults in B.C. and 75.8% of those 12 and older have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 4,436,432 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 935,401 of which are second doses.

Over the last three reporting periods, we have had a total of 229 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 147,131 cases in British Columbia. This includes: 94 new cases from June 18 to 19, 90 new cases from June 19 to 20 and 45 new cases in the last 24 hours.

“Of the new cases, 51 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 99 are in the Fraser Health region, five are in the Island Health region, 60 are in the Interior Health region, 13 are in the Northern Health region and one is a person who resides outside of Canada.

“There are currently 1,204 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and a further 144,153 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 108 individuals are currently hospitalized, 47 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“There has been one new health-care facility outbreak at Eagle Ridge Hospital (Fraser Health).

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,743 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“On what is also the first day of summer, we encourage everyone to start your summer off right by ensuring you have your first dose, if you have not already done so. Dose 1 drop-in clinics are open at a number of locations around the province.

“In particular, as the school year comes to a close, we encourage all eligible youth, those 12 and older, to get your first dose before the summer holidays begin. This will allow you and your family to enjoy your summer even more, knowing you have protection from COVID-19.

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

“Let’s take today to recognize the hardships and sacrifices of so many, by doing our part and getting vaccinated.”

Learn More:

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
Or: www.bccdc.ca

For information on getting your second dose: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2

Register for your vaccine now: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or call 1-833-838-2323.

BC’s Restart plan:

For the June 14, 2021, announcement on Step 2 of BC’s Restart plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0041-001155

Epidemiology and modelling:

For the June 10, 2021, modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-10_PHO_presentation.pdf

Provincial health officer’s orders and guidance:

Orders: 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

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

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

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

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority, visit:
BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc): 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

Mental health support:

Mental health and anxiety support: www.bouncebackbc.ca 
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
Or: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-supports-covid-19

Non-health related information:  

Financial, child care and education support, travel, transportation and essential service information: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

Two backgrounders follow.

Age-based program

Anyone 12 years or older may now register and book their Dose 1 appointment. Anyone who has received an invitation to book their second dose can also book their appointment.

Book online: https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated  
Or call 1 833 838-2323 (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pacific time).

First responder and worker program

Health authorities are contacting workplaces to arrange for workers to be vaccinated with their first and second doses.

AstraZeneca pharmacy program

For people who received their first dose at their local pharmacy, the pharmacy will contact them to book their Dose 2 appointment once they are eligible. People are asked not to call as phone appointments will not be accepted.

Information on Dose 2: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID-19_vaccine/AstraZeneca_2ndDose.pdf

Participating pharmacies are listed on the BC Pharmacy Association website: https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/resource-centre/covid-19/vaccination-locations

For people who would prefer an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) instead, once they are eligible, they can book online or by phone at one of the age-based mass clinics.

Independent and assisted living, long-term care homes, seniors’ rental buildings:

Vancouver Coastal Health – no facilities

Fraser Health – one facility

• Glenwood Seniors Community (second occurrence)

Northern Health – two facilities

• Heritage Manor
• Rotary Manor Dawson Creek

Interior Health – no facilities

Island Health – no facilities

Acute-care facilities:

Eagle Ridge Hospital