COVID-19 outbreaks in pockets around British Columbia have prompted health officials to shorten the recommended delay between vaccinations by three weeks. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the change from 49 days to 28 will help bring up the level of community protection in areas of the province that are experiencing outbreaks. Notices will be sent out to about 170,000 people in the coming days, asking them to book their second dose appointment. Dr. Henry says the optimal time to wait for the second shot is six to 10 weeks, but that needs to be balanced with the risk of getting

The Tokyo Olympics are history. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach declared the Games closed after the French flag was raised inside Olympic Stadium for the transition to Paris 2024. Canada comes off with a record 24 medals. Gold medal decathlete Damian Warner carried the flag for Canada in the closing ceremonies. Because of the COVID pandemic there was no audience for the rituals.

The wildfire situation is continually evolving, and the information below is current as of 7 p.m. (Pacific time) on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021.For real-time updates on evacuation alerts and orders, visit: https://twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBCFor the latest wildfire information, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca Fires:Wildfires burning in B.C.: 273Since April 1, 2021:1,445 wildfires644,420 hectares burnedActive fires by fire centre:Cariboo: 35Coastal: 24Kamloops: 86Northwest: 7Prince George: 60Southeast: 61Crews and equipment:Firefighters and other personnel fighting the fires: 3,583Out-of-province firefighters

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man following a string of late-night shootings in Surrey and Delta that left several vehicles and a residence damaged. No injuries were reported. Surrey RCMP say shots were fired at three locations Saturday night – the 6900-block of 127A Street, the 12900-block of 73A Avenue, and the 6600-block of 132 Street. Less than an hour later, Delta Police responded to a similar report near the 7900-block of 114A Street, which investigators believe is connected. Corporal Vanessa Munn, Surrey RCMP spokesperson, said the incidents appear linked. “All four incidents a

The BC Conservation Officer Service says its predator attack team is responding after a black bear seriously injured a man in the province's north yesterday. The attack happened near Fort Fraser, a village about 90 minutes west of Prince George. Conservation officers say bystanders helped scare the bear away and the victim was taken to hospital. His condition was unknown. BC Conservation Officer Service on Twitter: Black Bear Attack | The #BCCOS Predator Attack Team is responding to a black bear attack in the #FortFraser area near #Vanderhoof.One man was seriously injured in the attack, which

Two people have been arrested after a stabbing at a Lower Mainland strip club. Police in New Westminster say they responded around 2 a-m Sunday and found a man suffering from stab wounds at the Paramount Gentleman's Club. They say two suspects were located nearby and arrested after a short foot chase, while the victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. New Westminster Police department on Twitter: The Major Crime Unit is investigating a stabbing in downtown #NewWest. If you witnessed this incident and have yet to speak to investigators please call 604-529-24

Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens are wasting little time as they seize the opportunity to venture into Canada for the first time in 17 months.John Adams, a Florida resident who has been waging a relentless advertising campaign against travel restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border, says he's already on his way.Adams, who owns property on Vancouver Island, says he has already heard from others who crossed the border by land shortly after midnight eastern time.He says all of them have so far found the process to be smooth and ``hassle-free.''Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents must live

Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday said the country has fulfilled its "responsibility" as host nation of the Tokyo Games.The Japanese Prime Minister also thanked the citizens and expressed his "sincere appreciation" for the people of the country."Although the Olympics were postponed for a year and held under various restrictions, I believe we were able to fulfill our responsibility as host country," Kyodo News quoted Suga as saying."I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Japanese people for their understanding and cooperation," he added.Suga was presented with the Ol

A Delhi Court on Monday granted three days remand of all accused to Delhi Police Crime Branch, arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl. Additional Sessions Judge Ashutosh Kumar of Patiala House Court granted remand of all accused arrested in the case. Earlier they were in Judicial custody. All accused were produced in the court through video conferencing. Crime Branch through a remand application had moved Delhi Court and sought five-day remand of the accused to confront them to the witnesses, evidence and recreation etc. Advocate Jitender Jha and Suresh