Skip to Main content

11.1°^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

ndp-to-table-motion-seeking-federal-ban-on-surveillance-pricing

CanadaApr 13, 2026

NDP to table motion seeking federal ban on “surveillance pricing”

The federal NDP is expected to introduce a motion Wednesday calling on the government to ban a practice it describes as “surveillance pricing,” arguing it unfairly targets consumers using personal data. According to the text of the motion, the practice involves companies using information such as a customer’s search history or the amount of time spent on a webpage to adjust prices, both online and in physical stores. The party says this can result in different consumers being charged different prices for the same product. NDP Leader Avi Lewis said the approach could disproportionately af

school-closed-after-early-morning-fire-at-abbotsford-learning-centre-police-investigating-arson

School closed after early morning fire at Abbotsford learning centre, police investigating arson

Abbotsford police say an early morning fire at a local school is being investigated as an arson, according to a police news release. Patrol officers responded at about 3:49 a.m. to a report of a fire at the Bakerview Centre for Learning on the 32600 block of Marshall Road. When officers arrived, Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service crews were already on scene and extinguishing what police described as a small fire. Police said the blaze caused damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. No injuries were reported. According to the Abbotsford Police Department, the investigation rema

surrey-police-investigate-early-morning-shooting-at-surrey-central-residence

CanadaApr 13, 2026

Surrey police investigate early morning shooting at Surrey Central residence

Police in Surrey are investigating a shooting that damaged a home in the Surrey Central area early Monday morning. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, officers responded at حوالي 2:50 a.m. to reports of gunfire near 95 Avenue and 127 Street. When officers arrived, they located a residence with visible damage consistent with gunshots. Police said no injuries were reported among the occupants of the home. The Surrey Police Service Major Crime Section is leading the investigation, with support from Integrated Forensic Identification Services, according to the release. Investig

carney-signals-shift-on-u-s-ties-defence-spending-in-montreal-speech

CanadaApr 13, 2026

Carney signals shift on U.S. ties, defence spending in Montreal speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a closing address at the Liberal Party’s national convention in Montreal on Saturday, outlining a tougher position on Canada–U.S. relations and a planned shift in defence spending. According to remarks made during the convention, Carney said Canada would move away from past defence procurement patterns in which a significant portion of spending flowed to the United States. He told party members that future investments would be directed more toward domestic capacity. The statement drew a standing ovation from attendees. Carney’s comments come as Canada

AlbertaApr 13, 2026

Proposed Blue Line LRT extension to Calgary airport enters field study phase

The City of Calgary says preliminary field work is set to begin this month as part of planning for a potential northward extension of the Blue Line LRT toward the airport. According to a city notice, crews will conduct on-site investigations along the proposed corridor to 88th Avenue N.E., including assessments of ground conditions, groundwater levels and site-specific details needed for early-stage design. The work is part of the city’s long-term transit planning and would inform future decisions by council on whether to advance the project, including funding, design and timelines. The airp

Related News

School closed after early morning fire at Abbotsford learning centre, police investigating arson

School closed after early morning fire at Abbotsford learning centre, police investigating arson

Abbotsford police say an early morning fire at a local school is being investigated as an arson, according to a police news release. Patrol officers responded at about 3:49 a.m. to a report of a fire at the Bakerview Centre for Learning on the 32600 block of Marshall Road. When officers arrived, Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service crews were already on scene and extinguishing what police described as a small fire. Police said the blaze caused damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. No injuries were reported. According to the Abbotsford Police Department, the investigation rema

Vancouver police seek witnesses after Fairview hit-and-run leaves pedestrian seriously injured

Vancouver police seek witnesses after Fairview hit-and-run leaves pedestrian seriously injured

Vancouver police are asking for witnesses and dash-cam footage following a hit-and-run collision in the city’s Fairview neighbourhood that left a pedestrian with serious injuries. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, a 68-year-old man was crossing at Oak Street and West 6th Avenue shortly after 9:15 a.m. on April 8 when he was struck by a white GMC Yukon, believed to be a 2007 to 2014 model. The driver did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling southbound on Oak Street through West 7th Avenue toward West Broadway. Police say the man was taken to hospital with lif

B.C. school shooting victim to receive specialized treatment in Los Angeles, mother says

B.C. school shooting victim to receive specialized treatment in Los Angeles, mother says

A 12-year-old girl injured in a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge is expected to travel to Los Angeles for specialized medical treatment, according to her mother. In a public Facebook post, Cia Edmonds said her daughter, Maya Gebala, has been released from intensive care at BC Children’s Hospital and is now “seemingly stable.” Maya had been receiving treatment there after suffering multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head, during a mass shooting at her school in February. According to Edmonds, the next stage of care will involve what she described as an “aggressive appro

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital