B.C. ranks among highest in world in COVID-19 first-dose shots, say health officials

British Columbia health officials say the province ranks among the highest in the world in the number of people who have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a news release, they say more than 76 per cent of eligible people have received their first shot while 710,847 people have had their second.

Health officials say a number of locations are offering extended hours and mobile clinics so more people can get immunized.

The province reported 113 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 146,674.

It also recorded four COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 1,738 fatalities.

British Columbia entered step two of its four-step reopening plan Tuesday by allowing outdoor personal gatherings of up to 50 people, opening recreational travel across health regions and loosening other restrictions.