B.C. reports no new COVID-19 deaths as it begins second step of reopening plan

British Columbia health officials are reporting 108 new cases of COVID-19 as the province begins step two of its reopening plan.

They say in a statement B.C. has 1,496 active cases and 143,299 people have recovered from the infection.

There have been no new deaths and the total number of fatalities is 1,734.

Officials say more than 76 per cent of eligible adults have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 657,491 have had their second shot.

Step two of the reopening plan means indoor seated gatherings with up to 50 people are permitted at venues such as movie theatres and banquet halls, while pubs and restaurants may serve liquor until midnight.

Premier John Horgan announced a four-step plan last month aiming to allow residents to attend live concerts, watch indoor sports events and take off their masks by Sept. 7.