Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement for International Overdose Awareness Day, and recognizing the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths:

As of Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, 84.2% (3,904,121) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 76.4% (3,541,731) received their second dose.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, 83.7% (3,878,423) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.6% (3,504,402) received their second dose.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, 83.5% (3,869,329) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.4% (3,493,119) received their second dose.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, 83.3% (3,861,296) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.1% (3,482,876) received their second dose.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.

B.C. students will return to school next month and can look forward to full-time, in-person learning and resuming sports, music and other extracurricular activities, while mask requirements and other health and safety measures remain in place to keep schools safe.

As of Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, 83.2% (3,856,248) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 74.9% (3,473,215) received their second dose.

Starting Sept. 13, 2021, proof of vaccination will be required in B.C. for people attending certain social and recreational settings and events.

As of Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, 83.0% (3,846,528) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 74.3% (3,442,163) received their second dose.