B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Province of B.C.
December 22, 2020 - 4:20 PM
Another 444 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in B.C. in the last 24 hours, including 78 in the Interior Health region.
That brings the provincial total to 47,510. There were 12 more deaths in B.C., bringing that total to 777.
At the same time, more than 4,000 B.C. residents have been vaccinated, including some in Kelowna and Kamloops.
“Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have also provided guidance on how to safely transport the approved vaccines,” a joint statement issued today, Dec. 22, by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix read. “This means that, as deliveries increase in the coming weeks, the vaccine will increasingly be available in more locations.”
Currently, it’s only available in Kamloops and Kelowna within the Interior Health region.
READ MORE: First COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Kamloops, Kelowna
Of the 444 new cases in the province, 256 were in the Fraser Health region, 79 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, nine in the Vancouver Island Health region and 22 in the Northern Health region.
There are 9,481 active cases with 357 people in hospital, 84 of whom are in intensive care.
“Because community spread continues, even if you have been doing all you can to protect yourself and those around you, it is important to know the symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms develop,” the statement reads. “In particular, if you develop a cough, a loss of sense of smell or taste, fever or chills, or have difficulty breathing, contact your health-care professional or call 811 to get tested right away.”
The provincial state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on Jan. 5, 2021, to allow staff to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks, a separate news release from the provincial government stated.
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