Variants cloud lower numbers

There has been an “encouraging” decline in COVID-19 cases across B.C. in recent weeks, provincial officials say.

But they warn that continued vigilance in adhering to public health protocols is necessary given the uncertainties surrounding variants of the coronavirus that cause COVID-19.

A total of 429 new cases were reported across B.C. between Monday and Tuesday, continuing a steady decline of the 800-plus new cases that were being reported each day in early December.

Fifty-one of the new cases were in the Interior Health region. More than 100 new cases a day were often reported in the IH region in January.

Lower transmission rates will help make B.C. “better positioned” to deal with the effects of coronavirus variants, now showing up in the province, Henry said.

Current restrictions on social gatherings and religious services are set to expire on Friday. But on Monday, Henry suggested it was likely that another extension would be announced. With the additional cases announced Tuesday, a total of 68,366 British Columbians have now tested positive for COVID-19.

Eight additional deaths due to COVID19 were announced Tuesday, making the total 1,218 since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.