B.C. records 560 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 more deaths

The B.C. government announced 560 new cases of COVID-19 and five more deaths on Tuesday.

In a written statement, the provincesaid there are currently 4,913active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.

A total of 382 people are in hospital, including 146in intensive care.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are upby sevenper cent from last Tuesday, when 357people were in hospital with the disease and about 24 per cent from a month ago when 307people were in hospital.

The number of patients in intensive care is down by about five per cent from 153a week agoand by six per cent from a month ago when 156people were in the ICU.

The provincialdeath toll from COVID-19is now 2,086 lives lost out of 198,838 confirmed cases to date.

As of Tuesday afternoon,therewere a total of 23 active outbreaks in assisted living, long-term care and acute care units of hospitals. A new outbreak was declared atThe Emerald at Elim Village in Surrey.

Tuesday night, Northern Health declared another outbreak atBulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers, where four patients have tested positive for the virus and one has died.

Twelve residents have died as a result of anoutbreak affecting nearly every resident at theWillingdon Care Centre in Burnaby, officials say.

Fraser Health said more than100people have contracted the disease since the outbreak was declared on Sept. 28. Eightycases are among residents and 21 are among staff, according to the health authority.

As of Tuesday, 89.2per cent of those 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of aCOVID-19 vaccineand 83.5 per cent asecond dose.

From Oct. 11 to 17, people who were not fully vaccinated accounted for 67.1 per cent of cases and from Oct. 4 to 17,they accounted for 75.5 per cent of hospitalizations, according to the province.

So far, more than eightmillion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 3.9 million second doses.

Vaccine card required

Earlier Tuesday, health officials announced that capacity restrictions are being lifted for organized events including sporting events, concerts and weddings.

The order to remain seated at a table in restaurants and pubs will also be lifted on Monday.

British Columbianswho wantto access those restaurants and other recreational spaces must present proof of vaccination by providing a copy of theirgovernment-issuedvaccine card in digital or paper form.

Currently, residents need to show proof of one dose of COVID-19 vaccine using the vaccine card. From Oct. 24, proof of two doses will be required to access non-essential spaces.

Cards are available throughthe provincial Health Gateway website. Once you've loaded the site, you need to enter your:

• Personal health number, which is on the back of yourB.C. driver's licence, B.C. Services Card or CareCard
• Date of birth
• Date of vaccination, eitherDose1or Dose 2.

People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show an officially recognized vaccine record from their province or territory along with valid government photo ID.