Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued a joint statement regarding updates on the COVID-19 response in British Columbia."Today, we are reporting 471 new cases, including four epi-linked cases, for a total of 69,716 cases in British Columbia."There are 4,423 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 253 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 70 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation."Currently, 6,886 people are under active public health monito

A suspect has been arrested in an alleged sexual assault at a park in Surrey. The RCMP says a man in Pioneer Park was accused of groping a youth early yesterday afternoon. They say a 65 year old man was arrested but is to be released with several conditions including not attending Surrey schools or parks. The Mounties say charges have not yet been laid, as the investigation is ongoing. Surrey RCMP on Twitter: Investigators have now identified and arrested a 65 year old suspect in the groping incident from Feb 4. Thank you to the public and media for sharing the original post with photos which

BC's top doctor says current provincewide health orders on gatherings will remain in place until at least the end of the month. Dr. Bonnie Henry says just one super-spreader event or a slight increase in contacts could counteract all progress made so far to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially as two variants of the virus have been identified here. She says restrictions must stay so there's a smooth finish as more vaccines are available. Dr. Henry says an easing of restrictions could be considered by the end of February, to allow people to spend time with their safe six. Health Minister Ad

A gang enforcement team has been formed by Burnaby RCMP as the top Mountie in the city says gang activity there has leaped 30 per cent in one year. Chief Superintendent Deanne Burleigh says Burnaby has seen six stabbings, nine shootings and three gang-related homicides since the start of 2020. She announced the new unit as RCMP investigate the latest targeted shooting that killed 32 year old Chris Kenworthy on Wednesday evening. Homicide detectives say Kenworthy, who is known to them, was attacked in his vehicle in southeast Burnaby and although the slaying was not random, they say it's too e

The body of the man who was killed in a mud-rush incident at the New Afton Mine near Kamloops has been recovered. Contract driller Ray Rosenberg was identified by family as the victim but mine owner New Gold says it will not be releasing a name because of personal and privacy reasons. The company confirmed that a body was recovered around 5:30 pm Wednesday evening. It was almost 40 hours after the incident happened early on Tuesday morning. All underground mining and surface activities remain suspended as the investigation into the incident continues.

Police in New Westminster have arrested a man wanted on a Canada wide warrant for second-degree murder out of Calgary. Police say they found the 19 year old suspect, Michael Elendu, at a home in the city and arrested him without incident. Elendu was being sought in connection with the murder of 20 year old Kyreese Wright, who was found stabbed to death the morning of December 16th in Calgary. Elendu was transported to New Westminster police department cells and he will be returned to Calgary to face the charge there. New Westminster Police Department on Twitter: Second degree murder suspect f

The COVID-19 curve is slowly bending downward in British Columbia but health officials are urging caution for those making weekend plans given the presence of new variants. The province confirmed 465 new cases Thursday for a total of 69,245 since the pandemic began. There are 4,447 active cases and of those, 257 people are hospitalized including 76 in intensive care. Six more people have died for a total death toll of 1,240 in B.C., while about 62,078 people who tested positive are considered recovered. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint s

BC Hydro is urging football fans to consider power consumption as they munch snacks in front of the television on Super Bowl Sunday. A release from the Crown utility says, thanks to the pandemic, more people will be watching the big game at home, rather than gathering in large groups, and while that meets health requirements, it could hike electricity use. Eight hundred people were surveyed on Hydro's behalf and results show that electricity use is expected to climb as all those halftime snacks are cooked and more people watch the game at home on individual television screens, some even watch

Detectives with the Victoria Police Department's special victims unit are gratified by the response to a call for information about sexualized violence alleged to have involved a former employee at a downtown Victoria restaurant. Police issued a public notice on Monday urging witnesses or victims to come forward if they have details about incidents at the bar and grill. Since then, police say the response has been "amazing" and they are working through the many tips, although they caution the process takes time and patience is necessary. Officers were flagged about alleged sexualized violence