B.C. reports 716 new COVID-19 cases and 3 deaths

BC is reporting 716 more cases of COVID-19 just as the province sets out new plans to have laid-off tourism and hospitality workers help with the immunization rollout.

Today's additions bring BC's case count to 93 thousand 969 since the pandemic began.

The province also reported three new deaths, for a toll of one thousand 441.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint statement that there has been "much progress" in BC's vaccine program.

However, they urged residents to continue working together to help combat the pandemic.

They say people who receive a clinically extremely vulnerable letter will also be able to book vaccine appointments starting on March 29.

Nearly 600 thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across BC, most of them first doses.