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.

Students, faculty and staff at B.C.’s colleges and universities are being supported to come back together for in-person learning this fall with added health and safety measures ordered by the provincial health officer.

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.

Given the current wildfire situation in B.C., which is expected to worsen over the weekend, the Province is asking people to not travel to parts of the Interior region until further notice.

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.