B.C. state of emergency extended again; 428 more COVID-19 cases and 8 deaths reported in B.C.

British Columbia has again extended its state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic nearly 10 months after it was first declared.

The Ministry of Public Safety says in a news release the extension until Jan. 19 will allow officials to use powers under the Emergency Program Act.

Premier John Horgan says in the statement there's hope with the provincial immunization program getting underway, but it's too early to ease restrictions in the pandemic that has claimed 954 lives in B.C.

A joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Tuesday says there have been eight more deaths along with 428 new cases of COVID-19 across the province.

It says more than 28,000 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine so far in B.C.

The Interior Health authority is reporting 25 more cases linked to Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, where 136 cases have been confirmed so far.