COVID-19 numbers continue to fall as B.C. records 148 new cases and 3 more deaths

B.C. health officials announced 148 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths on Wednesday.

In a written statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dixsaid there are currently 1,975active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C. It's the first time since Oct. 22 that active cases have fallen below 2,000.

A total of 195 people are in hospital, including 47 who arein intensive care both lower numbers than anything B.C. has seen since mid-November.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are down by 21 per cent from last Wednesday, when 246people were in hospital with the disease.

The number of patients in intensive care isdown by about 33 per cent from 70a week ago

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is now 1,725 lives lost out of 145,843 confirmed cases.

So far, 3,749,758 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including390,264second doses. A new high of 44,756 second doses were administered in B.C. on Tuesday, althoughthe progress on first doses is starting to slow, falling below 20,000 shots for thesecond day in a row.

The latest numbers mean that 74.5 per cent of adults have received their first shot, as have72.4 per cent of those over the age of 12.

"Canada has some of the highest Dose 1 immunization levels in the world and British Columbia is equally strong. We ask everyone to join us in continuing to push forward with our vaccine progress," Henry and Dix said.

Travel restrictions and incoming changes

British Columbians are still not permitted to travel for any non-essential reasons outside of three geographiczones based roughly on health regions.

This restriction remains in place until at least June 15, according to provincial health officials.

On Monday, Deputy Provincial Health Officer Rka Gustafson signalledthat the end of the province's emergency response to COVID-19 is in sight.

Gustafson said public health officials are starting to plan a move away from managing COVID-19 as an emergency.

OnWednesday morning, the federal government announcedfullyvaccinated Canadians and permanent residents crossing the border into Canada will soon no longer be required to stay at a hotel for part of their quarantine period.

Federal Health MinisterPatty Hajdusaid the government is hoping to ease some restrictions in stages, starting in early July.

Canadian officials are also looking at a multi-phase approach toreopeningthe border with the U.S. that would begin with allowingfully vaccinated travellersto enter starting this summer.

Immunization information

Anyone who hasnot booked an appointment for their first vaccine dose is encouraged to do so immediately.

Registering to receive ashot can be donein three ways:

• Online through the new"Get Vaccinated" portal.
• By calling 1-833-838-2323. Translators are available in 140languages.
• In person at anyService B.C. location.
• Read more about registration here.

Those who received their vaccine before the Get Vaccinated portal launched on April 6 would have booked through the oldsystem and would not have beenregistered with the province's current onlineregistration system.

This group is advised toregister nowto receive an email or text notification of their second dose appointment.