The coronavirus doesn’t take holidays.
In the 24-hour period from Canada Day (Thursday to Friday) there were 35 new cases detected in B.C., after 49 new cases the previous day. However, of the 84 total cases in B.C. dating back to Wednesday, just two were in the Northern Health region.
As of Friday afternoon there were 729 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 145,200 people are confirmed to have recovered from the virus. Of the active cases, 99 patients are hospitalized and 30 of them are being treated in intensive care units.
Over the past two days Fraser Health Region led the province with 36 new cases, while there 21 in Vancouver Coastal and 25 were in Interior Health. One outbreak was reported at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, while the outbreak at Glenwood Seniors Community in Agassiz was declared over.
There were two new COVID-related deaths dating back to Wednesday, bringing the provincial death toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,756.
"Today, we are reporting that 78.7 per cent of all adults in B.C. and 77.5 per cent of those 12 and older have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix, in a joint statement. “In addition, 35.2 per cent of all adults in B.C. and 32.9 per cent of those 12 and older have received their second dose.
"In total, 5,124,693 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 1,526,711 of which are second doses.”
July 1st marked the start of the province’s Stage 3 reopening, which extended bar/restaurant hours, allowed church gatherings and sports activities, and dropped the mask requirement for indoor public places.
"There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,756 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.
"Our thoughts are also with those who have lost loves ones to the dangerous heat wave that continues to affect people and communities throughout the province,” added Henry/Dix. “The BC Centre for Disease Control and the provincial health officer are committed to working with the BC Coroners Service in reviewing the deaths related to the extreme heat to ensure we are prepared as best possible to prevent deaths in future heat waves in B.C.
"COVID-19 is not the only emergency our province is facing. With rising temperatures and an unprecedented heat wave comes increased wildfire risk, and we are already seeing signs of a difficult wildfire season ahead for our communities.
"Wildfire smoke can affect your health, especially for those who are more vulnerable, including seniors, young children, those with pre-existing chronic health conditions and people who are pregnant. To learn about how you can protect your health this wildfire season, see: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.
