8.29°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

BCFeb 02, 2026

B.C. Rental Protection Fund surpasses goal, secures nearly 2,200 homes

More than 2,000 homes in British Columbia are now protected under the province’s Rental Protection Fund, giving thousands of renters greater housing stability and access to affordable rents. Launched in 2023 with a $500-million provincial investment, the fund works with non-profit housing providers to purchase rental buildings at risk of being sold to the private market. This approach helps ensure tenants can remain in their homes and communities without facing sudden rent increases or evictions. The fund originally aimed to secure 2,000 homes over three years. That target has been exceeded
nanaimo-rcmp-arrest-man-following-break-in-on-waterfront-vessel
BCFeb 02, 2026

Nanaimo RCMP arrest man following break‑in on waterfront vessel

Nanaimo RCMP have arrested an adult man after a series of incidents that began with an attempted theft at a Port Place Mall grocery store and ended with an alleged break‑and‑enter on a privately owned vessel along the city’s waterfront. Police say the situation began around 2:45 PM at Thrifty Foods, where staff reported a man tried to leave the store with unpaid items. When confronted by store security, the suspect allegedly threatened a Loss Prevention Officer. Shortly afterward, the same individual was observed boarding a tugboat moored nearby. Officers who responded reported that he b
prince-george-rcmp-investigate-early-morning-shooting-on-ahbau-street
BCFeb 02, 2026

Prince George RCMP Investigate Early-Morning Shooting on Ahbau Street

Prince George RCMP are investigating a shooting that took place shortly before 3:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, on the 600-block of Ahbau Street. Officers responding to the scene confirmed that no residents were injured during the incident. The early stages of the investigation suggest the shooting was targeted, and authorities say there is no ongoing risk to the public. Ahbau Street was temporarily closed while officers conducted their initial work but has since been reopened. Cst. Jenna Moore, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP, urged anyone who witnessed the incident or noti
trump-signals-tariff-cut-for-india-after-pledge-to-halt-russian-oil-imports
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Trump signals tariff cut for India after pledge to halt Russian oil imports

U.S. President Donald Trump says his administration plans to lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, down from the current 25 per cent, after India agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. The announcement follows months of pressure from Washington urging New Delhi to reduce its reliance on discounted Russian crude amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India has been one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil since Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, taking advantage of lower prices as many Western countries moved to restrict energy trade with Russia. The issue has been a
pakistan-says-145-militants-killed-in-security-crackdown-after-deadly-balochistan-attacks
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Pakistan says 145 militants killed in security crackdown after deadly Balochistan attacks

Pakistan’s security forces say they have killed about 145 militants in a series of counter-operations across the southwestern province of Balochistan, following coordinated attacks that left around 50 people dead. The provincial government says the operations were launched shortly after the assaults, which targeted multiple locations early Saturday. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the army and police responded swiftly after the attacks, which were later claimed by the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army. He stated that those killed in the security operation were

Related News