What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for April 19 - Action News
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British Columbia

What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for April 19

B.C. Premier John Horgan and health officials are scheduled to provide an update on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. PT today. Here's the latest.

B.C. premier to join health officials to provide update on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. PT

People are pictured in the sun on Sunset Beach in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday. Warm, sunny weather drove many in Metro Vancouver to the outdoors. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

THE LATEST:

  • The premier will join health officials toprovide a liveupdate at 2 p.m.
  • As of Friday, the provincial death toll from the disease is1,530.
  • There are currently 10,081 active COVID-19 cases in B.C.
  • So far, 1,282,091 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered.
  • There are425 patients are in hospital,including 127people in critical care.

B.C. Premier John Horganwill join health officialsto provide a live update at 2 p.m. PT withthe latest information about COVID-19 in the province.

On Friday, B.C. recorded1,005 new cases of COVID-19 and sixmore deaths as hospitalizations broke another record.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dixsaid Friday there are 425 people in hospital, including127in intensive care, both totals surpassing records from earlier in the week.

Gatherings of up to 10 people are currently allowed outdoors, but Henry encouragedBritish Columbians to enjoy the outdoors safely in small, consistent groups.

Over the weekend, the warm, sunny weather droveVancouverites outdoors amid confusion around the rules on gatherings.

Vaccination registration expanding

On Sunday, the province announced dates for those aged 18 and older to register for their vaccine.

The ministry says the registration program starts Monday with people 40 years and older asked to sign up first, and those 35 and older registering Tuesday.

Registration will continue through Wednesday for those 30 and older, and Thursday for those 25 years old and above. Friday,people 18 years and older should sign up.

Premier John Horgan received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday. This week, the province is inviting adults age 18 and older to register for their vaccines. (CBC News)

Technically, anyone can register now, but the province is asking residents to wait for their assigned date to avoid overloading the system.

Registering for a vaccine is not the same as booking the appointment to get your shot. Once registered, users receive a confirmation code. They thenwait for an email, text or call telling them they are eligible and can then booktheir vaccine appointment using that code.

Indigenous people 18 or older and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable can also now register to book their vaccine appointment through B.C.'sGet Vaccinated system.

The province is also continuing to vaccinatepeople between the ages of 55 and 65 with the AstraZeneca vaccine in local pharmacies throughout the province.

Vaccine registration

There arethree ways to register for vaccinations:

  • Online through the "Get Vaccinated" portal.
  • By phone through the provincial phone line at 1-833-838-2323.
  • In person at any Service B.C. location.

Health Minister Adrian Dix has previously saidthat vaccine doses would also be set aside to vaccinate people in communities where there were outbreaks.

Read more:

What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of Sunday, Canada hasreported 1,113,907 cases of COVID-19, with a 21 per cent increase in active cases from the week before.

A total of 23,590 people have died of the disease.

What are the symptoms ofCOVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever.
  • Cough.
  • Tiredness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Headache.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Use the B.C. Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 self-assessment tool. Testing is recommended for anyone with symptoms of cold orflu, even if they're mild. People with severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, difficulty waking upor other extreme symptoms should call 911.

What can I do toprotect myself?

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
  • Keep at least two metres awayfrom people outside your bubble. Keep your distance from people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
  • Be aware ofevolving travel advisoriesto different regions.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.