On March 9, B.C. reported 550 new cases of COVID-19 from 6,560 tests completed.

There are now 4,869 active cases in the province 78,770 recoveries. Right now, 249 people are hospitalized, with 68 of whom these in intensive care. Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported, for a total of 1,393 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Of the new cases, 52 were in the Northern Health region from 193 tests. In the region, 18 people are hospitalized with 10 of these in intensive care. Active cases are at 302, with recoveries totalling 4,530 and deaths at 109.

The province has confirmed 182 new variant cases, for a total of 576.

To date, 343,381 doses have been given, and 86,938 are fully immunized with two doses. Vaccine appointment bookings are now open for people over 90 and Indigenous people over 65.

In their update, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, noted that it’s been a year since the first British Columbian died from COVID-19

“Today, we pause and remember everyone who has died from this virus and offer our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

“Through the loss and uncertainty that has come with this pandemic, we have seen incredible resilience, as people throughout our province have adapted to the challenges COVID-19 has brought.

“Now, with every new person who is vaccinated, we can take comfort in knowing with each immunization, we all benefit – Elders, seniors, families and communities. Let’s keep moving forward and doing our part to put COVID-19 behind us.”

Read the full update HERE.