Skip to Main content

6.57°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Apr 22, 2021 8:39 PM -

39 cases related to B.1.617 variant first identified in India reported in B.C.

Share On

39-cases-related-to-b-1-617-variant-first-identified-in-india-reported-in-b-c

A passenger from Air India flight 187 from New Delhi arrives at Pearson Airport in Toronto on Wednesday April 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

The BC Centre for Disease Control and its public health lab are reviewing the genetic sequencing of what they are now calling a ``variant of interest'' that has made its way to this province.

A statement from the Ministry of Health says 39 COVID-19 cases involving the B.1.617 variant first identified in India were found in B-C by April 4th, but the strain was not then considered a variant of concern or a variant under investigation.

The statement says the ministry should be able to provide an update by later this week on the number and severity of cases linked to the latest variant.

Quebec identified its first case of the B.1.617 variant yesterday and Quebec Premier Francois Legault told media this morning that he and other premiers are concerned about flights coming from India or Brazil where specific variants have emerged.

Latest news

third-man-charged-with-first-degree-murder-in-lethbridge-homicide

Third man charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge homicide

A 42-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 27-year-old man, marking the third arrest in the case, according to a police news release. The Lethbridge Police Service said the accused was arrested late Monday following the execution of search warrants at two residences on Mt. Crandell Crescent. Two other men were previously arrested on March 28 in relation to the same investigation. Police said officers and EMS responded to a report of an assault at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 27 at an apartment complex in the 200 block of 7 Avenu

WorldMar 31, 2026

Oil prices surge after reported tanker attack near UAE amid Middle East tensions

Global oil prices climbed sharply Tuesday following reports of an attack on a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker near the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about supply disruptions in a key energy shipping route. According to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, the tanker was struck off the coast of Dubai. The company said there were no reported casualties or oil spills resulting from the incident. The circumstances of the attack and responsibility have not been independently verified. Benchmark Brent crude rose about five per cent to approximately $118.50 per barrel, while U.S. crude prices reache

stephen-lewis-former-ontario-ndp-leader-and-un-ambassador-dies-at-88

CanadaMar 31, 2026

Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and UN ambassador, dies at 88

Stephen Lewis, a former Ontario New Democratic Party leader, Canadian diplomat and longtime social activist, has died at the age of 88. The Stephen Lewis Foundation announced his death on its website Tuesday. No cause of death was provided. Lewis served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, according to the foundation’s statement. He later became widely known for his advocacy on global health, poverty and environmental issues. He was the father of Avi Lewis, who was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday.

IndiaMar 31, 2026

Khanna police arrest father of Sidhu Moosewala’s former manager in alleged extortion case

The accused, identified as Saudagar Singh Sarao, is the father of Shaganpreet Singh, a former manager of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Police allege that Singh was involved in a demand for Rs 1 crore from a local commission agent. According to police, the complainant reported receiving threats from an individual who identified himself as gangster Donny Bal and demanded money. A case was registered following the complaint, and an investigation was launched. During the investigation, police said technical evidence and other findings indicated that the extortion demand was linked to Shagan

independent-b-c-mla-says-he-will-not-resign-while-facing-assault-charges

Independent B.C. MLA says he will not resign while facing assault charges

Independent MLA Hon Chan says he will not step down from his legislative seat after assault charges related to an alleged incident of intimate partner violence became public, leading to his removal from the Conservative caucus. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the legislative chamber Monday, Chan said he intends to remain in office, adding that “everybody is actually innocent until proven guilty.” The charges relate to an alleged incident dated Jan. 12, 2024. Chan has said he was not contacted by police before the October 2025 provincial election, when he was elected as a Conservative

Related News

Third man charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge homicide

Third man charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge homicide

A 42-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 27-year-old man, marking the third arrest in the case, according to a police news release. The Lethbridge Police Service said the accused was arrested late Monday following the execution of search warrants at two residences on Mt. Crandell Crescent. Two other men were previously arrested on March 28 in relation to the same investigation. Police said officers and EMS responded to a report of an assault at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 27 at an apartment complex in the 200 block of 7 Avenu

Independent B.C. MLA says he will not resign while facing assault charges

Independent B.C. MLA says he will not resign while facing assault charges

Independent MLA Hon Chan says he will not step down from his legislative seat after assault charges related to an alleged incident of intimate partner violence became public, leading to his removal from the Conservative caucus. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the legislative chamber Monday, Chan said he intends to remain in office, adding that “everybody is actually innocent until proven guilty.” The charges relate to an alleged incident dated Jan. 12, 2024. Chan has said he was not contacted by police before the October 2025 provincial election, when he was elected as a Conservative

Nenshi distances Alberta NDP from new federal leader Avi Lewis over energy policy differences

Nenshi distances Alberta NDP from new federal leader Avi Lewis over energy policy differences

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says his party is not aligned with newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis on energy policy, following Lewis’s victory at the party’s national convention. Speaking at the Alberta legislature on Monday, Nenshi said the divide between the federal and provincial wings of the party on energy issues has existed for years. “It was important for Albertans to remember that for many years now, the New Democrats have not been fully aligned, particularly on energy policy,” he said. Lewis, a Vancouver-based filmmaker and activist, was elected Sunday in Winnipeg

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital