Health officials reported 589 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday shortly after the federal government approved a new "fridge stable" vaccine.
The new vaccine is much easier to transport and distribute, which will help officials maintain and deliver adequate supplies across BC.
Of the new cases, 157 were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 317 were in the Fraser Health region, with 31 in Island Health, 39 in Interior Health, and 45 in Northern Health.
In a written statement, Dr. Bonnie Henry also confirmed seven new deaths, bringing BC's death toll to 1,355.
There are currently 232 people in hospital, 63 of whom are in ICU.
BC's active case count now sits at 4,665, with 8,040 people under active public health monitoring.
There has been an encouraging decline in outbreaks in long-term care homes, demonstrating the vaccine's effectiveness....
Posted by Government of British Columbia on Thursday, February 25, 2021
To date, 252,373 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC, 73,808 of which are second doses.
“This new vaccine will be integrated into our provincial immunization program as delivery and supply is confirmed in the coming weeks. The additional supply will allow us to look at accelerating immunization of priority populations and essential workers," said Dr. Henry in a statement.
“This is another exciting and encouraging step forward for all of us. It means we have one more layer of protection available to us and are one step closer to getting through this pandemic."
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