the new rules are expected to be in effect starting july 1.
meanwhile, b.c. reported 600 new covid-19 cases wednesday as premier john horgan celebrated the news that more than 50 per cent of b.c.’s eligible population have received a first dose of vaccine.
“covid-19 has turned our lives upside-down, but this milestone gives us hope of better days ahead. we have to keep going,” said horgan. “we need all british columbians to help make sure as many people as possible get their shots. register today and talk to your friends, family and neighbours, and make sure they’re registered too.”
more than 2.77 million doses of vaccines have been administered in b.c., including 115,295 second doses.
on wednesday, the province opened vaccination bookings to all people age 30-and-over.
health minister adrian dix said officials are currently working on a plan to give the pfizer-biontech vaccine to youth aged 12 to 18 now that health canada has approved its use.
dix also said b.c.’s remaining supply of astrazeneca, which has been delivered at pharmacies and at pop-up clinics in high-transmission areas, was being reserved for second doses due to the limited availability of the vaccine.
“existing pharmacy bookings will proceed, but no additional appointments will be accepted at this time,” dix said in a statement with the provincial health officer, dr. bonnie henry.