8.34°C Vancouver

Nov 30, 2021 10:37 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. identifies first COVID-19 Omicron variant while 204 others are being tested

Share On
b-c-identifies-first-covid-19-omicron-variant-while-204-others-are-being-tested
B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry during a press conference in Victoria. (B.C. Govt.)

British Columbia has become the fourth province to identify its first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the affected person recently returned from Nigeria and lives in an area covered by the Fraser Health authority.

Dr. Henry says 204 people who recently returned from parts of southern African with outbreaks of the variant are undergoing testing while in quarantine.

The federal government has announced that all air travellers, except those coming from the United States, will now be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive at Canadian airports, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Omicron variant has also been found in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.

Dr. Henry announced new restrictions for faith services heading into the Christmas holiday season with people attending and participating in those services, such as choir members, required to wear masks unless physical distancing is in place, while capacity will also be limited to 50 per cent unless every attendee is vaccinated.

Latest news

winnipeg-man-charged-after-alleged-online-threats-against-prime-minister-jewish-and-muslim-communities
CanadaMar 02, 2026

Winnipeg man charged after alleged online threats against prime minister, Jewish and Muslim communities

A Winnipeg man is facing criminal charges after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police say he allegedly posted online threats targeting Prime Minister Mark Carney and made hateful comments about Jewish and Muslim communities. According to the RCMP, a national security investigation began in January into a user account on the social media platform X. Police allege the account posted threats directed at Carney and content inciting hatred toward Jewish and Muslim communities. Mounties say a 55-year-old Winnipeg man was arrested last month and charged with three counts of uttering threats to cause deat
air-canada-suspends-israel-and-dubai-flights-until-march-22-amid-middle-east-conflict
CanadaMar 02, 2026

Air Canada suspends Israel and Dubai flights until March 22 amid Middle East conflict

Air Canada says it is suspending all flights to Israel and Dubai until March 22 because of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a passenger advisory, the airline said services are expected to resume March 23 if conditions permit. The suspension applies to flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai, according to the company’s statement. Air Canada said customers affected by the cancellations can change their bookings without additional charges. Travellers who choose to cancel their trip will receive a full refund, the airline said. The carrier also issued a flexibility policy for some Middle East route
alberta-earmarks-40m-to-upgrade-66-government-applications-after-rise-in-cyber-incidents
AlbertaMar 02, 2026

Alberta earmarks $40M to upgrade 66 government applications after rise in cyber incidents

Alberta’s government has set aside $40 million in its latest budget to update or patch 66 software applications following a significant increase in cybersecurity incidents last year. According to Alberta’s 2026–27 budget documents, the funding will support upgrades and security patches across government systems. The province did not specify which applications are being modernized, stating that releasing those details could create additional security risks. The budget documents indicate the government managed close to 3,000 cybersecurity incidents last year, a 35 per cent increase compare
cocaine-seizure-at-blue-water-bridge-totals-111-kilograms-two-men-charged
CanadaMar 02, 2026

Cocaine seizure at Blue Water Bridge totals 111 kilograms, two men charged

The Canada Border Services Agency says officers seized more than 111 kilograms of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry on Feb. 19. According to a CBSA news release, a commercial truck arriving from the United States was referred for secondary inspection. During examination of the trailer, border services officers located and seized 111.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine. CBSA said Sarkaren Vir Singh, 29, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Chamkaur Singh, 25, of Belleville, Ontario, were arrested. The agency said both individuals and the seized drugs were transferred to the Royal
avalanche-in-kootenay-pass-kills-23-year-old-snowmobiler
BCMar 02, 2026

Avalanche in Kootenay Pass kills 23-year-old snowmobiler

A 23-year-old man has died after an avalanche swept over two snowmobilers in British Columbia’s Kootenay Pass area on Saturday, according to police. Creston RCMP said officers were alerted through an SOS tracking device that someone was in distress in the backcountry. Shortly afterward, police were informed that an avalanche had occurred and that one of the buried riders was non-responsive after being dug out. Police said other snowmobilers in the area were able to rescue both individuals. The 23-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released. According to Aval

Related News