What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for May 31

THE LATEST:

• Since Friday, B.C. hasconfirmed 708 new cases and 11more deaths.
• A total of 249people are in hospital with the disease, with 78 in intensive care.
• The provincial death toll from COVID-19 is now 1,703.
• So far, 3,250,161 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., including 179,954 second doses.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Monday that another 708 cases of COVID-19 and 11 more deaths have been confirmed in the last three days.

There are now249 people in hospital with COVID-19, including78 in intensive care the lowest number of patients in hospital since March 9. The rolling seven-day average of cases is now at its lowest level sinceOct. 31.

The number of active cases has also fallen, hitting its lowest level since Nov. 2 at2,953.

But Henry urged everyone to stay cautious, as the vast majority of British Columbians still need a second dose of vaccine.

"New strains are circulating and outbreaks are still occurring in schools, in hospitals, in long-term care and in our communities," she said.

A total of 3,250,116 doses of vaccine have now been administered across B.C., including 179,954 second doses. The latest numbers mean that 69.7 per cent of adults have received a shot so far.

Outbreaks persist

On Monday, Fraser Health announced an outbreak at an independentschool in Surrey, B.C. A statement said Iqra Islamic School closed voluntarily on Friday after 21 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed amongstudents and staff. The school enrols roughly 450 students from kindergarten to Grade 7, according to its website.

The health authority is continuing to monitor a separateoutbreak at Brookside Lodge, a long-termcare facility in Surrey where one resident and astaff member hadtested positive as of Friday.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) said Saturday two patients and two staff tested positive for COVID-19 at Richmond Lions Manor-Bridgeport, along-term care home in Richmond. The same day, the authority said an outbreak at Lions Gate Hospital was over.

A total of 36 people, including five staff, tested positive for COVID-19 during the outbreak. Seven individualsdied, all of whom had been patients.

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Getting vaccinated

B.C. health officials announced Thursday most people in the province will be able to receive a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within eight weeks of their first. The province is still setting 16 weeks as the maximum interval between doses.

Second doses are now being administered to long-term care home residents and staff.

Anyone who received their vaccine before April 15 and was not registered with the province's online vaccine registration system should register now to receive an email or text notification of their second dose appointment.

Registration can be done online through the "Get Vaccinated" portal, by calling 1-833-838-2323, or in person at any Service B.C. location.

Stay safe

The province has laid out a four-step reopening plan that could see people socializing normally again as early as September.

As of now, residents can once again dine indoors, hit the gym for low-intensity workouts, play outdoor sports and hold faith-based gatherings in person.

Masks and physical distancing measures remain mandatory. Recreational travel is allowed, but still only within the province's three regional health zones.

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What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of Sunday, Canada hadreported 1,376,734 cases of COVID-19, with a33per cent decreasein active cases from the week before.

A total of25,477people have died of the disease.