What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for Dec. 2

THE LATEST:

• New restrictions mean indoor adult team sports are banned, kids' sports limited.
• Health officials announced 834 new cases Wednesday.
• There are now 8,941 active cases of COVID-19across B.C.
• 337patients arein hospital with COVID-19, including 79in intensive care.
• 469 people have died of the disease since the pandemic began.
• A total of 10,201people are under active public health monitoring and in self-isolation because of exposure to known COVID-19 cases.
• There have been 34,728 confirmed cases in the province to date.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced a ban on all indoor adult team sportsand new limitations on children's sports as the novel coronaviruscontinues to spread through the community.

Meanwhile, she said news of vaccine approvalin the United Kingdom is encouraging but urged British Columbiansto double down on efforts to reduce transmission until vaccines are available in this province.

Henry said she expectsvaccines to be ready in coming weeks and is getting B.C.'s immunization plans together, but until then, provincial health orders must be followed to stem "unchecked" transmission.

"I am asking you all to continue and do a little bit more," Henry said at a Wednesday briefing with Health Minister Adrian Dix.

On Wednesday, Henry reported 834 new coronavirus cases. The province now has 8,941 active cases and 34,728 cases to date.

There are 337 patients with COVID-19 in hospital, including 79 in intensive care.

Henry also announced12 more COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the death toll to469.

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Health officials have ordered British Columbians to pause all social interactions and be vigilant applying different layers of protection, including physical distancing, washing hands and using masks.

"Remember that events, which refer to anything that gathers people together whether on a one-time, regular or irregular basis are not allowed for now," Henry said in a release on Tuesday.

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Island Health outbreaks

Late Tuesday, two outbreaks were declared on Vancouver Island oneatSaanich PeninsulaHospital in Victoria and the other at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni.

On Wednesday morning, Island Health Chief Medical Officer Richard Stanwicksaid health officials have a pretty good idea of where exposure occurred in Port Alberni,but are still at a loss when it comes to the Saanich Peninsula outbreak.

For this reason, Stanwick said the Victoria facility is currently closed to the public, with the exception of some outpatient services and the emergency department.

According to Island Health, the outbreak in Port Alberni is limited to one unitand themedical-surgical B-wing has been closed as a precaution while the rest of the hospital remains open.

An Island medical health officer is also currently embedded in theEhattesaht First Nation community near Zeballosand will remain until Thursday, to help bring an outbreak thereunder control.

READ MORE:

• A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia will look at how many children and young people across B.C. have antibodies for COVID-19.
• A group of B.C. parents pulled their kids from school for the day on Tuesday to protest the province's back-to-school plan.
• The pandemic has led to millions of dollars in losses for B.C.'s oyster farming industry.
• As the COVID-19 crisis deals an unprecedented blow to women's employment, one expert says Canada's post-pandemic economic recovery needs a "new playbook."
• Henry says that despite some noisy exceptions in the Fraser Valley, most faith leaders have strongly supported restrictions preventing in-person services during a spike in COVID-19 numbers.

What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of Tuesday night, there have been more than 383,468 cases of COVID-19 in Canada.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saidhis government will be ready to deploy vaccine shots soon after they receive the necessary Health Canada approvals.

He also toutedthe government's plan to inject up to$100 billion into Canada's post-pandemic economy, calling it a "historic and appropriate" spending plan.

Meanwhile in Alberta, there are signs that thehospital system is under "significant strain"because of a surge in cases.