Vancouver Island adds 55 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths
British Columbia health officials are reporting 55 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region Tuesday.
Across the province, 457 cases were identified over the past 24 hours, including the cases found in the island region.
There are currently 4,829 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C., including 579 active cases in the Island Health region, according to the B.C. ministry of health.
Island Health data identified the locations of 451 active cases Tuesday, including 145 in the South Island, 259 in the Central Island and 47 in the North Island.
Over the past 24 hours, two people died of COVID-19 in British Columbia, according to the health ministry. One death was reported in the Fraser Health region and one occurred in the Northern Health region.
Since the pandemic began, 2,131 people have died of COVID-19 in B.C., including 89 deaths reported in the Island Health region.
B.C. WILL OFFER 3RD VACCINE DOSE
Earlier Tuesday, health officials announced that all British Columbians will be offered a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they would like one.
The booster shots will be offered to select populations first, similar to how the first doses of vaccine were rolled out late last year.
Between now and December, third doses will be offered to clinically extremely vulnerable people who are immunosuppressed, residents in long-term care, and residents in rural and remote Indigenous communities.
The rollout is already underway for extremely vulnerable people, health officials say.
Soon after, the booster shots will be offered to all seniors aged 70 and older, as well as Indigenous people aged 12 and older.
Health-care workers who received their two doses of vaccine in a short interval, and staff who support long-term care homes and seniors in independent living will also be offered shots before the end of the year, approximately.
Between January and May, health officials will begin offering vaccine to the rest of the broader community, first by starting with clinically extremely vulnerable people who are not immunosuppressed, health-care workers in the community and lastly all remaining eligible British Columbians aged 12 and older.
Health officials say the booster shot will help extend the protection vaccines give, which begins to drop off around seven to eight months after someone receives their second dose.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry noted that the vaccine effectiveness declines over time, and does not "drop off a cliff" once seven to eight months has passed.
VACCINE DEADLINE
Tuesday also marks the province’s deadline for health workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The provincial health order covers doctors, nurses, residents, contractors, students, volunteers and all other health-care professionals.
Premier John Horgan says he's hopeful that the small number of workers who are resistant to getting vaccinated will get the information they need to get their shots.
Those who don't have their first dose of vaccine by the deadline can't work unless they have a recognized exemption.
As of Tuesday, approximately 89.6 per cent of eligible British Columbians have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 84.5 per cent have received two doses.
Since December 2020, the province has administered 8,171,136 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.