Skip to Main content

8.83°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Dec 21, 2021 5:51 PM - The Canadian Press

Fast-moving Omicron variant prompts additional COVID-19 measures in BC, ministry

Share On

More health measures could be coming in British Columbia one day after restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 took effect.

Health Minister Adrian Dix, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry are set to provide another update this afternoon on COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health has reported 2,550 new cases between Friday and Sunday, pushing the total number of active infections to 5,435 _ a leap of 2,486 cases in one week.

The ministry says public health is monitoring the increase as well as developments in other areas, and will outline additional measures.

Restrictions that took effect yesterday limit the size of indoor personal gatherings, cap audience numbers in large venues and prohibit most New Year's Eve parties amid growing concerns that patients with the Omicron variant could overwhelm hospitals.

Dix and Henry are also expected to announce changes to the province's rapid testing policy.

Latest news

charges-approved-after-alleged-sexual-assault-in-downtown-vancouver

Charges approved after alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver

A 47-year-old man has been charged following an alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver, according to a Vancouver Police Department release. Police said officers were called at approximately 7:20 p.m. on March 25 to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets after a woman reported she had been groped by a stranger. Witnesses also told police the same suspect had allegedly assaulted other people in the area prior to officers arriving. The suspect was located at the scene and arrested without incident, police said. Derek Jason Sangris, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual

bolsonaro-moved-to-house-arrest-after-hospital-discharge-in-brazil

WorldMar 27, 2026

Bolsonaro moved to house arrest after hospital discharge in Brazil

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been released from hospital in Brasília and will continue serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest, following a ruling by the country’s top court. According to a decision by the Supreme Federal Court earlier this week, Bolsonaro was granted permission to serve his sentence at home due to declining health. The court said the arrangement is subject to review within 90 days. Bolsonaro was discharged Friday morning from DF Star hospital in the capital. He then travelled to his residence in the Jardim Botânico neighbourhood, where he lives wit

punjab-and-haryana-high-court-orders-fresh-cross-examination-in-majithia-defamation-case

IndiaMar 27, 2026

Punjab and Haryana High Court orders fresh cross-examination in Majithia defamation case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a fresh cross-examination in a defamation case filed by Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia against Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, reviving proceedings in a matter dating back to 2016. According to court proceedings, the High Court allowed a petition filed by Sanjay Singh and directed that the case be revisited for cross-examination. The defamation complaint was originally filed by Majithia in a Ludhiana court in January 2016. The case relates to allegations made during a political rally in Moga, where Singh is accused of referring t

abbotsford-police-issue-public-safety-notice-ahead-of-offenders-release

Abbotsford police issue public safety notice ahead of offender’s release

The Abbotsford Police Department says a 46-year-old man with a history of violent sexual offences is scheduled to be released into the community later this month under strict conditions. According to an Abbotsford Police Department news release, Stephen Bradley Ewing is set to be released from William Head Institution on March 30 and is expected to reside in the Abbotsford area. Police say Ewing has prior convictions from 2021 and 2023, including sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, and overcoming resistance by choking. The release also states that at least one offence involved

AlbertaMar 27, 2026

Alberta man sentenced to 17 years in U.S. prison in Florida child exploitation sting

A Red Deer, Alta., man has been sentenced to 17 years in a United States federal prison after pleading guilty in a child exploitation sting tied to a planned trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. According to U.S. court documents, James Hjelmeland, 31, pleaded guilty in November to attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. The case stems from an undercover operation involving a Florida law enforcement officer. Court records state Hjelmeland began communicating online with a detective who was posing as the parent of a 12-year-old girl. The officer, acting in

Related News

Charges approved after alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver

Charges approved after alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver

A 47-year-old man has been charged following an alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver, according to a Vancouver Police Department release. Police said officers were called at approximately 7:20 p.m. on March 25 to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets after a woman reported she had been groped by a stranger. Witnesses also told police the same suspect had allegedly assaulted other people in the area prior to officers arriving. The suspect was located at the scene and arrested without incident, police said. Derek Jason Sangris, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual

Abbotsford police issue public safety notice ahead of offender’s release

Abbotsford police issue public safety notice ahead of offender’s release

The Abbotsford Police Department says a 46-year-old man with a history of violent sexual offences is scheduled to be released into the community later this month under strict conditions. According to an Abbotsford Police Department news release, Stephen Bradley Ewing is set to be released from William Head Institution on March 30 and is expected to reside in the Abbotsford area. Police say Ewing has prior convictions from 2021 and 2023, including sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, and overcoming resistance by choking. The release also states that at least one offence involved

RCMP seek to identify person of interest in 2024 suspicious death in Prince George

RCMP seek to identify person of interest in 2024 suspicious death in Prince George

Prince George RCMP say their investigation into a suspicious death following a house fire in September 2024 is ongoing, and officers are asking the public to help identify a person of interest. Police said they are continuing to gather witness accounts from the night of the incident. “Police continue to seek witnesses to the events of that evening, in order to help bring closure to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with Prince George RCMP, in a statement. According to an RCMP news release, officers responded to a house fire on Sept.

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital