TOPIC: B.C. CORONAVIRUS

3 years in, Bonnie Henry says B.C. isn't in a better place today to deal with a new pandemic

How were you talking about COVID-19 the day it was declared a global pandemic?

Hate incidents spiked dramatically across B.C. during first years of pandemic, inquiry finds

A new report from B.C.'s human rights commissioner has confirmed hate-related incidents rose exponentially during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting people from every corner of the province during one of the most divisive periods in its history.

Number of COVID-positive patients in hospital dips slightly after rising for 2 weeks

After rising for two weeks, the number of patients in British Columbia hospitals with COVID-19 dipped slightly, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported Thursday.

B.C. says stockpile of Moderna infant COVID-19 vaccines set to expire, with no new supply for a month

The national supply of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for babies and young children will expire next week, and another shipment isn't expected in B.C. until April, the province announced Monday.

Number of COVID-positive patients in hospital rises for 2nd straight week

For the second week in a row, the number of patients in B.C. hospitals with COVID-19 rose, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported Thursday.

Man sentenced for 'dangerous lies' in hoax calls to care home on day it saw Canada's 1st COVID-19 death

The man who made dozens of hoax calls to staff at the care home that would later record Canada's first death from COVID-19 has been sentenced for his "elaborate, dangerous and damaging deception," though he won't serve any more time behind bars for the crime.

COVID-19 denier Mak Parhar died from drugs, not the coronavirus, B.C. coroner confirms

Outspoken COVID-19 denier and anti-mask activist Mak Parhar tested positive for the virus after his death in 2021, but that is not what killed him, the B.C. Coroners Service has confirmed.

Kelowna asks for court injunction against anti-mask and vaccine mandate rallies

The City of Kelowna, B.C., is asking for a judge to step in and put an end to the so-called “Freedom Rally” protests that have become a feature of life in the downtown core for more than two years.

Compound derived from B.C. sea sponge could block COVID-19 virus, researchers find

Researchers at the University of British Columbia say a compound derived from sea sponges found off the B.C. coast can block coronavirus infection in human cells.

Medical mask company fined $13K after several instances of workers getting caught in machinery

A medical mask company in Burnaby, B.C., has been fined thousands of dollars after several workers were injured by manufacturing machines.

B.C. officials report 5 cases of new COVID-19 subvariant that's spreading rapidly in U.S.

B.C. health officials are watching closely as a new, likely more transmissible Omicron subvariant spreads south of the border. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says XBB 1.5 was identified in about five people in B.C. before Christmas, and she expects that number to rise.

2022 was the deadliest year of the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C. What's next?

Some scientists are calling for a proper reckoning of the rapidly-circulating virus's harms, and issuing reminders about the benefits of masking and self-isolating when sick.

Almost all surgeries postponed because of COVID-19 have now been completed, B.C. health minister says

The B.C.'s government says that almost all surgeries delayed during five waves of the COVID-19 pandemic have now been completed.

Small businesses in Metro Vancouver hope for Black Friday business boost

As people begin holiday shopping this Black Friday, some business associations in Metro Vancouver say they are optimistic this year will bring the boost stores need to recover from challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

B.C. COVID-19 hospitalizations steady as critical care numbers increase

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control is reporting the same number of people in hospital with COVID-19 this week as the week before, but there are 11 more people in the ICU.

Move to drop mandatory self-isolation for COVID-positive people is concerning, says health policy expert

An expert is condemning a move by B.C. public health officials to drop mandatory self-isolation rules for those who test positive for COVID-19.

B.C. doesn't provide counts of COVID-19 reinfections. Some experts say that's a problem

Infectious disease experts say B.C.'s decision to not count COVID-19 reinfections in weekly case updates may be painting an incomplete picture of the impact of the disease on British Columbians.

B.C. scientist instrumental in development of COVID-19 vaccine honoured by alma mater

One of the scientists behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is being honoured by UBC, his employer and alma mater, with an Alumni Award of Distinction. 

In B.C., it's tougher to access COVID antiviral Paxlovid than in the rest of Canada, doctor says

A family doctor is asking B.C. to reduce the barriers to accessing Paxlovid, an antiviral drug that reduces the severity of illness for those most at risk from COVID-19.

B.C. health minister defends Dr. Bonnie Henry in legislature over response to COVID-19 transmission in schools

Adrian Dix defended Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in the legislature on Tuesday, after the leader of the B.C. Green Party said British Columbians have been misled about COVID-19 transmissions in schools.

Almost 100 inmates in B.C. prison diagnosed with COVID-19

The Correctional Service of Canada says 97 inmates at a prison in Mission, B.C., have tested positive for COVID-19.

Modelling group says B.C.'s under-reporting of COVID-19 data makes personal risk assessment harder

An independent modelling group says that B.C. is under-reporting all major COVID-19 metrics, making it impossible for residents to know their risk.

Doctor who gave anti-vaccine speech in front of effigies of officials being hanged faces discipline hearing

A doctor who spread false rumours about vaccines causing stillbirths at a Vancouver-area hospital and made other misleading claims about COVID-19 while standing in front of effigies portraying B.C. politicians being hanged will face a disciplinary hearing with his regulatory college.

A bar born of the pandemic in Vancouver's Chinatown is closing due to permit issues

A bar that offered Vancouverites a fun, safe space to gather during some of the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic is shutting down after running afoul of city regulations.

Former Vancouver chiropractor charged with attempted murder of 2 children in Florida

A former Vancouver chiropractor who recently moved to Florida with his family has been charged with attempted murder after police say he stabbed two children in his care while they were asleep in bed.

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