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Mar 17, 2021 2:04 AM -

B.C.'s top doctor urges people to follow COVID-19 rules on St. Patrick's Day

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B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry during a news conference in Victoria. (B.C. Government)

B.C.'s top doctor is reminding the public to follow COVID-19 rules during St. Patrick's Day celebrations, while the province has again extended its ongoing state of emergency in response to the pandemic.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says in a statement that last call for alcohol sales at restaurants, pubs and liquor stores will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

There are 4,999 active COVID-19 cases in B.C. with 556 new diagnoses, including 470 in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions. B.C. has confirmed 116 new cases of COVID-19 variants of concern in the last day for a total of 996, of which 130 remain active.

No one else has died due to COVID-19, while 280 people are hospitalized with the illness.

There have been 424,517 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in B.C., with appointment bookings opening for people 80 and older by the end of the week.

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