B.C. records 572 COVID-19 cases, as downward trend continues

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The steady decline continues for B.C.’s daily COVID-19 case numbers, with the province announcing 572 new infections in the last day.

There are 481 people hospitalized with the virus, including 161 patients in intensive care.

The province recorded no new deaths on Wednesday.

Nearly two thirds of the new cases were in the Fraser Health region. About a fifth were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.

When it comes to vaccines, the province is closing in on administering two million doses.

“1,943,230 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 93,656 of which are second doses,” reads a joint statement from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

On Wednesday, the province announced it is planning to offer the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 12 and up. It says all kids in that age group could have their first doses before the summer break.

Health Canada approved the vaccine in that age group earlier the same day.

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On Tuesday, B.C. also opened vaccine eligibility to pregnant people aged 16 and up.

“We have reviewed the data here in B.C. and this shows pregnant people experience severe illness from COVID-19 at a rate that is similar to people who are in their 50s. By prioritizing pregnant people today, we add another layer of protection for them, their babies and their communities,” Henry said Tuesday.

People who are pregnant should first ensure they are registered, and then call 1-833-838-2323 and identify as being pregnant. Online booking for pregnant people is not available for this priority option.