British Columbia reported 908 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the third-highest daily total in the province since the start of the pandemic. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint statement there are 6,245 active cases and 294 individuals in hospital, of whom 81 are in intensive care. The officials are also reporting three new deaths, for a total of 1,449 fatalities linked to the virus in B.C. Some 140 of the new cases are variants of concern, for a total of 1,912, which are primarily the more transmissible strain first identified in the United

Richmond RCMP is looking for witnesses, and possible surveillance video, after a home invasion in the 22000 block of Westminster Hwy last week. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 23rd, a male and female couple were home watching television when their doorbell rang. When the couple answered the door, four men barged in, armed with a crowbar and a possible firearm. Once inside, the suspects restrained the victims before ransacking their home and leaving with several items belonging to the victims. Corporal Ian Henderson of the Richmond RCMP said, "This was a very frightening incident f

Mounties say a 19 year old has life-threatening injuries after he was hit by a driver in Burnaby following a possible confrontation early Friday morning. Police say they believe the teen was struck by a sedan after a confrontation with the vehicle's occupants shortly after midnight. The driver fled the scene after the incident. The teenager remains in hospital. Burnaby RCMP on Twitter: A 19 year old man is in hospital and in critical condition after an early morning hit & run. https://bit.ly/31nG800

British Columbia's labour minister says he has contacted the head of the province's workplace safety agency after six workers died on the job in the past four weeks. Harry Bains says he's reached out to the chair of WorkSafeBC to make sure appropriate prevention and enforcement of health and safety rules are taking place. Bains says there has been a steep learning curve to adjust to COVID-19 safety regulations, but the deaths are a reminder that the pandemic isn't the only hazard workers face. Two men were killed when a boom broke on a construction site on Gabriola Island, two forestry worker

A new school opens in Surrey next week, the third new school this school year in B.C.’s fastest-growing community, providing much needed classrooms for more than 600 students. "This is excellent news for Surrey students and families that another new school is opening this year, reducing the number of portables needed in the district and providing another dynamic, 21st-century learning environment in the community," said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. "After years of underinvestment by the previous government, Surrey families are starting to see concrete results of our work to giv

Advocates say undocumented workers in BC fear that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 could mean getting arrested if someone reports that they lack proper identification. The BC Health Ministry says undocumented and migrant workers don't need to present medical cards before being immunized, but it didn't say whether non-government identification could be used. The ministry says information provided for immunization will not be shared with other organizations, and more details on documents that will be asked for when provincewide online booking starts April 6th. Byron Cruz, a spokesman for Sa

The B.C. government is more than doubling the fines for those promoting and attending events against COVID-19 health rules in an effort to crack down on "selfish behaviour." The fine has increased to $575 from $230, although the penalty for those caught hosting such an event remains at $2,300. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says it's become clear in the last few months that the risk of paying the ticket isn't enough of a deterrence. The $230 fine will continue to apply to a range of other COVID-19 violations, such as not wearing a mask. The ministry says in a news release that the incre

Elders in British Columbia care homes will soon be able to socialize and receive visits from loved ones after being locked down by COVID-19 for more than a year. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the benefits of lifting some of the restrictions outweigh the risks to the elderly, who have had little interaction with family or friends since the pandemic began. Starting April 1st, residents in long-term care and assisted-living facilities will be able to have frequent and routine visits. The rule changes include allowing two visitors, plus a child, at one time -- and they're allowe

Burnaby RCMP are investigating an altercation at the Metrotown Mall in which a West Vancouver man allegedly spat on someone after being asked to wear a mask. Police say the incident happened outside the mall's McDonald's restaurant around 11 am on Monday when a bystander asked the man to wear a mask, and he refused. The man has been issued a $230 fine and police are investigating the allegations as a possible assault. Mounties say people should call police instead of trying to enforce COVID-19 guidelines. Burnaby RCMP on Twitter: Unmasked man arrested by #BurnabyFrontline officers for assault