As the summer holidays draw to a close, many families are starting to think about their back-to-school tasks. Buy school supplies. Take their children for haircuts. And help their kids pick out the perfect outfit for the first day of school.

The Ministry of Health, the provincial health officer and the Ministry of Education and Child Care are reminding families of how to stay healthy and reduce the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, as children return to school and child care.

People in the Interior will soon see an increase in surgical capacity as Interior Health adds five new operating rooms (OR): two at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and three at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops, along with increased supports for staff.

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement on the B.C. Court of Appeal ruling on the Cambie Surgery Centre case on Friday, July 15, 2022:

People in B.C. can look ahead to their next COVID-19 vaccine dose with the Province announcing a fall booster program as the next step in its COVID-19 immunization plan.

EquipCare BC will again accept applications to enhance infection prevention and control, and improve seniors’ safety and quality of life in long-term care and assisted living homes throughout the province.

People needing surgery at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) will have increased access to care as the provincial government has approved the business plan for the second phase of expansion, adding 13 new operating rooms (ORs) and 39 new perioperative patient bays at the facility.

B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO) is publishing data collected regarding the COVID-19 vaccination status of regulated health professionals for 17 of the 18 health regulatory colleges as of April 25, 2022.

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of National Nursing Week, May 9-15, and National Nursing Day, May 12, 2022: