B.C. reports 9,332 new cases of COVID-19 since New Year’s Eve

VICTORIA – B.C. is reporting 9,332 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

Health officials say a total of 264,181 cases have been reported in the province.

The health ministry on Friday reduced the requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 to five days for fully vaccinated people without symptoms.

It is encouraging people to wear a mask around others for an additional five days after leaving self-isolation.

The ministry said people who haven’t been vaccinated are still required to self-isolate for 10 days.

It was also announced that visits to long-term care and assisted living facilities will be limited to essential visitors and the restriction would be re-evaluated on Jan. 18, when other COVID-19 rules are set to expire.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2022.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version says there are 264,181 active COVID-19 cases in B.C.