19.36°C Vancouver

Feb 5, 2021 4:28 AM -

B.C. officials urge 'safe choices' on Super Bowl Sunday amid COVID-19 variants

Share On
b-c-officials-urge-safe-choices-on-super-bowl-sunday-amid-covid-19-variants
Dr. Bonnie Henry can be seen replying to questions during a news conference. (B.C. Government)

The COVID-19 curve is slowly bending downward in British Columbia but health officials are urging caution for those making weekend plans given the presence of new variants.

The province confirmed 465 new cases Thursday for a total of 69,245 since the pandemic began.

There are 4,447 active cases and of those, 257 people are hospitalized including 76 in intensive care.

Six more people have died for a total death toll of 1,240 in B.C., while about 62,078 people who tested positive are considered recovered.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint statement that the Super Bowl has potential to make Sunday a "super-spreading day" if people don't make safe choices.

It is especially important to respect prohibitions on gatherings given uncertainties about the full impacts of COVID-19 variants of concern that have been confirmed in B.C.

Latest news

mysterious-floating-island-spotted-on-b-c-s-williston-lake-boaters-warned-to-stay-away
BCSep 01, 2026

Mysterious Floating Island Spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake, Boaters Warned to Stay Away

A mysterious floating island spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake has prompted authorities to issue a warning to boaters. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer, the floating island is about one hectare in size and is covered entirely with trees and lush vegetation. It was first spotted by satellite in mid-August but later suddenly disappeared. The island was spotted again on Monday, and appears to have travelled about 30 kilometres from its previous location over the past two weeks. Gammer believes the formation is not solid land, but rather a highly unstable mass of tree roots, logs and
relief-for-surrey-residents-no-new-extortion-or-shooting-cases-reported-in-august
BCSep 01, 2026

Relief for Surrey Residents: No New Extortion or Shooting Cases Reported in August

Surrey residents and business owners have received some encouraging news, with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) reporting that no new extortion threats or extortion-related shootings were recorded in the city throughout August. According to the latest update from SPS, the improvement is being attributed to ongoing joint efforts involving police, local businesses and the wider community. Police say these collaborative efforts are now producing positive results on the ground. SPS emphasized, however, that officers continue to actively investigate previous extortion cases, pursue legal action and
BCSep 01, 2026

B.C. Government Announces Nearly 1,200 New Child-Care Spaces Across 22 School Districts

The British Columbia government has announced plans to create nearly 1,200 new licensed before-and-after-school child-care spaces across 22 school districts, including Surrey. Under the initiative, Peace Arch Elementary and Theresa Clarke Elementary in the Surrey School District will each receive 24 new child-care spaces. B.C. Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare said the time before and after school can be particularly challenging for parents who are balancing work and family responsibilities. Having child care available directly within school grounds will provide families with con
AlbertaSep 01, 2026

Nearly 400 Alberta Specialist Doctors Show Interest in New Dual-Practice Surgery Model

Nearly 400 specialist doctors in Alberta have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual-practice system, which will allow physicians to work within the public health-care system while also providing private services for selected surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. Although the legislation enabling the model is now in place, the office of Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said doctors must complete a formal application process before any private surgeries can begin. The first dual-practice surgeries are expected to take place this fall, following a r
targeted-shooting-in-coquitlam-police-seek-dashcam-footage
BCSep 01, 2026

Targeted Shooting in Coquitlam; Police Seek Dashcam Footage

Coquitlam RCMP are investigating a targeted shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 29, and are asking drivers to review their dashcam footage from the area. Police said the incident took place in the 100-block of Schoolhouse Street between approximately 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Investigators are seeking video from vehicles that were travelling through or parked in the area during that time. RCMP said even footage that appears routine or unrelated could contain information valuable to the investigation. Police have determined that the shooting was targeted and said there is no ongoing risk to the p

Related News