What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for Dec. 8

THE LATEST:

• Health officials announced 566 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 more deaths on Tuesday.
• There are now 9,315active cases of COVID-19across B.C.
• 352patients arein hospital, with 74in intensive care.
• 543people in B.C. have died of the disease since the pandemic began.
• About 4,000 people are expected to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of next week.
• Provincewiderestrictions on social gatherings, events, travel and sports have been extended untilmidnight on Jan.8.

On Tuesday, B.C. reported its lowest number of new cases of COVID-19 in weeks, but tied its highest ever one-day total of deaths from the disease.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced in a written statement that 566 new cases have been confirmed the lowest total since Nov. 17. However, 16 more people have died.

The province now has 9,315active cases. A total of 352 people are in hospital, with 74 people in intensive care.To date, 543 people have died of COVID-19 in B.C.

There appears to be good new just over the horizon, however. Just before the latest numbers were released, Premier John Horgan announced over Twitter that "about 4,000 high-risk people" in B.C. will receive a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of next week.

The news comes a day after Henry extended a ban on social gatherings and community events for another month, which means thatChristmas dinners and New Year's Eve parties are out of the question this year

The provincewide COVID-19 restrictionshave beenextended to Jan.8 at midnight.

That means residents can onlysocialize with people in their household, and all events and gatherings must be cancelled. British Columbians are being told not to travel outside their local communities for non-essential reasons, whether it's to visit family or take a vacation.

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On Tuesday, she and Dix urged British Columbians to find new ways to celebratethe holiday season.

"Take in the holiday lights in your neighbourhood, have a virtual visit with friends or support a 'drive in and drop off' charitable toy drive," they said in a written statement.

"Let's work together to protect our communities and those who are most vulnerable and make it a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone."

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READ MORE:

• B.C.'s provincial health officer says the province will receive a "small amount" of the Pfizer/BioNTechCOVID-19 vaccine next week.
• The pandemic figured prominently in B.C.'s throne speechwith promises to redouble efforts to fightthe virus, effectively deliver the COVID-19 vaccine andfortify health care by hiring more doctors and nurses.
• A Victoria-area man who allegedly became abusiveafter being asked to wear a mask inside a local restauranthas been fined under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act.
• The B.C. government will spend more than six times as much money this year on personal protective equipment includingN95 masks, eye protection and surgical gloves, according to the health minister.
• Fraser Healthsays eight people have tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak at a mink farm in the region east of Vancouver.

What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. PT, Canada's COVID-19 case count stood at 429,035, with 71,968of those cases considered active.A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 12,867.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday thatup to 249,000 doses of the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTechvaccine will arrive by the end of the year, and the provinces are beginningto roll out their delivery plans. The vaccine could receive approval from Health Canada as soon as this coming week.

Quebec's health minister says the province will start vaccinatingresidents of long-term care homes next week.

Canada's National Defence Minister Harjit SajjantoldCBC's The Early Edition Mondaythat simulation exercises are being conducted across the country as the military prepares for when a vaccine is ready.