BCApr 15, 2021
Hospice services return to Delta, B.C., as facility reopens after lengthy fight
Hospice services are once again available locally to residents of Delta, B.C., as Fraser Health officially opens the Irene Thomas Hospice. The launch ends a bitter and lengthy battle between the province and a provincially funded society that formerly operated the hospice, but refused to provide medical assistance in dying. Members of the former Delta Hospice Society objected on religious grounds to a requirement to offer medically assisted deaths, prompting legal action, removal of provincial funding and an order for the society to vacate the facility. Fraser Health took possession of the 10
BCApr 15, 2021
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 reach new record of 397 in B.C.
British Columbia health officials are strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to get one as hospitalizations linked to the disease reached a new record. The province confirmed 1,168 new cases and six more deaths Wednesday. There are 397 people in hospital, 120 of whom are in intensive care. Almost 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,820 of which are second doses. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint statement that everyone 55 and older is now eligible to get a shot. They also
BCApr 14, 2021
7,024 people died from illicit drug overdoses since the public health emergency declared in B.C.
There are calls for more action on safe drug supplies and recovery programs from British Columbia's chief coroner and the top doctor as the province marks the fifth anniversary of the overdose crisis. Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says 7,024 people have died from illicit drug overdoses since the public health emergency was declared in April 2016 and expanded treatment options are needed immediately. She says illicit drug overdoses now rank as the fourth highest cause of death in B-C, with 43 being the average age of people dying of overdoses. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says gove
BCApr 14, 2021
Wedding host, business owners fined in Surrey, B.C., for breaking COVID-19 orders
Nearly $17,000 in fines have been handed out by RCMP in Surrey, B.C., in the last week to a growing number of people who police say are ignoring COVID-19 health orders. RCMP say in a statement that most of the fines were issued over large gatherings, including a $2,300 fine for the host of a wedding where 22 people attended against the provincial health officer's orders. Sgt. Tyler Wickware, with Surrey RCMP's COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team, says officers have seen the number of people and businesses ignoring the health orders "creeping up." Mounties say the majority of the fines an
BCApr 14, 2021
BC marks five years since overdoses were declared a public health emergency
BC marks five years since overdoses were declared a public health emergency. Sheila Malcolmson, mental health and addictions minister, says COVID-19 has had a large impact on people who use drugs. She says the government is committed to decriminalization. But advocates say the government needs to take decisive action. Sheila Malcolmson on Twitter: We are committed to turning this crisis around, before the pandemic, we were making progress and we can and will get back on track until one day, toxic drug poisonings will be something in our past.
BCApr 14, 2021
B.C. COVID-19 in-dining restrictions to be extended through to May: industry group
The B.C. Restaurants and Food Association says it has been told that current health orders restricting in-person dining will be extended beyond next Monday's deadline.The group says they had a meeting with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry Tuesday, who indicated that the health order would run through to May.It says the continued high number of daily cases and the province's desire to have restrictions in place limiting socialization and gathering indoors was given as the reason.B.C. Premier John Horgan said Tuesday that further COVID-19 restrictions may be on the way. He said his ca
BCApr 13, 2021
NDP government facing criticism from opponents over the throne speech
British Columbia's NDP government is facing criticism from opponents in the legislature over a throne speech committing to an eventual return to normal life. Interim Liberal Leader Shirley Bond says the government should have promised more immediate support for businesses and people in the middle of the third wave of COVID-19 infections. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says the speech represents only "minor tweaks to the status quo." Promises in the speech include record infrastructure spending, an expansion of 10-dollar-a-day daycare and the hiring of thousands of long-term care workers. BC Lib
BCApr 13, 2021
16 year old arrested after allegedly robbing a boy, remove his clothes and make him walk home naked
A 16 year old has been arrested after allegedly telling a boy one year younger to remove his clothes and walk home naked. RCMP in Nanaimo say the victim was allegedly kicked and punched, then his cellphone and wallet were thrown in a lake. They say when the teen began walking home, a bystander gave him some clothing and a ride home, where his parents called police. The suspect is charged with assault causing bodily harm and robbery in connection with the incident.
BCApr 13, 2021
B.C.'s top doctor says essential workers in hot spots to be vaccinated first
British Columbia's provincial health officer is calling for patience among essential workers waiting for a vaccine that's being prioritized for people in areas where COVID-19 transmission is highest. Dr. Bonnie Henry says firefighters, police and paramedics are being vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines over the next few weeks alongside staff at schools and child-care centres. She says certain neighbourhoods will also be targeted as the province's age-based program currently books people aged 65 and up for immunization, though the Pfizer vaccine has not been arriving as re
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