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 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.

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 Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, 82.8% (3,837,946) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 73.8% (3,419,832) received their second dose.

Public Health is taking an important step to address recent breakthrough COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities, making it mandatory for all health-care workers in care homes to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 by Oct. 12, 2021.

The Province is helping small and medium-sized businesses adapt to the post-pandemic economy by giving more people the training they need to succeed.

More than 33,000 British Columbians showed up at clinics throughout the province and got vaccinated during the first Walk-in Wednesday, including more than 8,100 first doses.

Building on the success of the first intake of the Mass Timber Demonstration Program, the B.C. government is investing an additional $2 million to open a second intake.