Vancouver Island adds 12 new COVID-19 cases as B.C. confirms reopening plans
Health officials say 12 cases of COVID-19 were identified in the Vancouver Island region over the weekend.
The update comes the same day that health officials and B.C.'s premier announced that the province would be moving on to Step 2 of its reopening plan on Tuesday.
Across B.C., 277 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the weekend. Of those cases, 96 were reported Saturday, 113 were added Sunday and 68 were confirmed on Monday.
Monday marked the lowest single-day case count since Aug. 31, when 59 cases of COVID-19 were reported across the province.
B.C. has now reported 146,453 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, including 5,132 found in the Island Health region.
There are currently 84 active cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region, according to the BCCDC. Two people are currently in hospital for treatment of the virus, but neither require critical care.
Island Health identified the locations of 55 of the active cases Monday, including 41 in the South Island, seven in the Central Island and seven in the North Island.
Health officials say four people died of the virus over the weekend, bringing the province's death toll to 1,734. None of the victims lived in the Vancouver Island region, where 41 people have died since the pandemic began.
"Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19," said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix in a joint statement.
Approximately 75.9 per cent of adults in B.C. have now received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, or 74.1 per cent of people aged 12 and older.
B.C. has now administered 4,048,346 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including 613,453 second doses.
STEP 2 OF RESTART PLAN TO BEGIN ON JUNE 15
On Monday morning, B.C.'s top doctor joined B.C. Premier John Horgan and other ministers for an update on the province's reopening plans.
The province confirmed that Step 2 of B.C.'s reopening plan will start on Tuesday, June 15.
Step 2 includes outdoor gatherings up to 50 people, unrestricted travel within province, the restart of indoor high-intensity fitness programs and expanded hours for some businesses like bars.
Organized indoor gatherings, such as movie theatres and banquet halls, can also reopen – and indoor worship services can restart in limited capacities.
"We can increase our much-needed connections a little bit more," said Henry at a live briefing on Monday.
The province's top doctor said other health restrictions remain in place, and stressed that not everyone will be comfortable with reopening along the same timeline.
Health officials continue to urge everyone to register for a COVID-19 vaccine and to continue following health guidelines such as physical distancing, staying home if feeling unwell, and keeping social contacts consistent.
"As we bridge to Step 2, the provincial health officer’s orders have been amended to allow for some increases in gatherings in our homes, restaurants and businesses," said Henry and Dix in a joint statement. "However, it is very important to remember that orders and restrictions remain in place."
"Safety plans and masks are still required in all indoor public spaces, as is the need to give others space, to stay home when we are ill and get tested if we develop symptoms," said the pair.
June 14, 2021: (Province of B.C.)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.