874 new COVID-19 cases in B.C.; 1 death in Interior Health

Hospitalization and intensive care cases are at their highest levels of the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C.,

That from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry during a news conference today, April 29.

There were 874 new cases in the last 24 hours in B.C., including 60 in the Interior Health region. The one death in the last 24 hours in the province was in the Interior Health region but no further details were provided.

There are 503 people in hospital in B.C. of which 178 are in intensive care.

“We are in a tug-of-war with COVID-19,” Dr. Henry said as she urged people to register for vaccinations so they can be contacted when their time comes to book.

People who are 58 years old or older can now book an appointment.

Starting next week, the Johnson&Johnson vaccine will arrive in B.C., allowing an acceleration in things like the worker vaccination program. More details on how that will work will be announced next week.

Dr. Henry also urged people to respect the orders against travelling outside of three health regions that have been combined for travel purposes.

That means people in the Interior Health region can travel to the Northern Health region but not into the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island, but are advised to only travel for essential reasons.

“People spread COVID-19,” Dr. Henry said. “We spread it when we travel even small distances. Smaller communities with limited health care services are asking for your support in staying away for now, while travel orders remain in place.”

Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, will give more details on how those orders will be enforced during a press briefing scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.

Of the new cases, 574 were in the Fraser Health region, 187 in Vancouver Coastal, 29 on Vancouver Island and 24 in the North.

The number of active cases was not available for the press briefing.

To register for a vaccination, go here.

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