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, we are reporting that 78.4% of all adults in B.C. and 77.1% of those 12 and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, 32.8% of all adults in B.C. and 30.6% of those 12 and older have received their second dose.

“In total, 5,002,916 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 1,421,506 of which are second doses.

“We have had 44 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 147,621 cases in British Columbia.

“Of the new cases, 12 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 17 are in the Fraser Health region, one is in the Island Health region and 14 are in the Interior Health region. There are no new cases in the Northern Health region.

“There are currently 816 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and a further 145,032 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 108 individuals are currently hospitalized, 34 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“As our province continues to experience an unprecedented heat wave, it is important to take care of ourselves by staying cool and hydrated. It is just as important to look out for one another and to reach out to those who may be more vulnerable to the heat, including seniors, those with underlying health issues and those who are unsheltered. To learn about ways to stay safe in the heat, see: www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/warm-weather-safety-in-a-time-of-covid-19

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,754 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.

“With the start of Step 3 of the BC’s Restart plan coming into effect tomorrow, it is a time of renewal and reflection for all of us. While many of the orders will be amended or no longer be in effect, it is about the gradual restart of our province, moving at a pace that works for each of us.

“The provincial health office and public health teams will continue to closely monitor our progress to ensure we remain on track through the summer, and we must also do our part.

“Even with the changes, masks remain an important layer of protection, and we should all continue to wear them in all indoor public spaces until we have immunity from the second dose of vaccine.

“As we begin Step 3 of our restart plan on Canada Day, it is a time for us to reflect on all we have been through over the last year and a half. Tomorrow is a day to look ahead and reconnect, and also to look back and recognize the challenges we have faced in our communities across B.C.

“Let’s take heart in knowing that no matter the obstacle before us or how fierce the storm may be, it is caring and kindness that will see us through as we continue on this journey together.”

Learn More:

BC’s Restart plan:

For the June 29, 2021, announcement on Step 3 of BC’s Restart plan, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0043-001268

Epidemiology and modelling:

For the June 28, 2021, modelling presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (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

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 and seniors’ rental buildings:

Vancouver Coastal Health – two facilities

• Hollyburn Residence (second occurrence)
• Minoru Residence (second occurrence)

Fraser Health – two facilities

• Glenwood Seniors Community (second occurrence)
• Laurel Place (second occurrence)

Northern Health – one facility

• Rotary Manor Dawson Creek

Interior Health – no facilities

Island Health – no facilities

Acute-care facilities:

• Eagle Ridge Hospital
• Surrey Memorial Hospital