508 new COVID-19 cases in BC; 9 deaths | iNFOnews

Health officials say 13 more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on Vancouver Island Friday.

The health authority says it is working to identify others who may have had contact with those who tested positive at the jail in Port Coquitlam.

One more person has passed away from COVID-19 in Northern Health, this has increased the region's death toll to 53.

It asked anybody in the Fraser Health region who feels ill to immediately seek a COVID-19 test. There are 315 individuals now hospitalized with COVID-19, 74 of whom are in intensive care.

Canada's first COVID-19 infection occurred a year ago at a long-term care home in North Vancouver, and Dix says more than 650 residents at facilities around the province have died since then.

A total of 61,912 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began, 55,099 people have recovered.

Throughout the province, 465 cases were added to B.C.'s total. "It outlines the age-based approach for immunization and population protection being used here in British Columbia", said Dix and Henry.

"We need to remember our risk remains high right now, even as we protect more and more people with vaccine", said the pair.

To date, 92,369 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC.

The number of people in hospital reached its lowest point since December 3, with 329 people in hospital in B.C., with 70 receiving intensive care. "We are not at the point where we can lift restrictions in our community or long-term care".