B.C. reports 494 new cases of COVID-19 as vaccination rollout accelerates

VICTORIA – All British Columbia residents over 25 years old can now book their COVID-19 vaccine, while those 18 and older will be able to do so by the end of the weekend, as the province speeds up its vaccine rollout.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say in a joint statement that it’s clear vaccines are working, and more people registering will help protect the wider community.

B.C. reported 494 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, for a total of 138,304 since the pandemic first began.

There were also two new deaths, bringing the toll to 1,634.

Dix and Henry say more than 2.39 million doses of vaccine have been administered, of which 124,880 are second doses.

Henry said Thursday that any movement to relax current health restrictions on large gatherings and other activities likely won’t happen until at least Canada Day.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2021.