B.C. ranks among highest in world in COVID-19 first-dose shots, say health officials

VICTORIA – British Columbia health officials say the province ranks among the highest in the world in the number of people who have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a news release, they say more than 76 per cent of eligible people have received their first shot while 710,847 people have had their second.

Health officials say a number of locations are offering extended hours and mobile clinics so more people can get immunized.

The province reported 113 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 146,674.

It also recorded four COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 1,738 fatalities.

British Columbia entered step two of its four-step reopening plan Tuesday by allowing outdoor personal gatherings of up to 50 people, opening recreational travel across health regions and loosening other restrictions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2021.