On March 24, B.C. reported 716 new cases of COVID-19, with 5,573 active and 86,857 recoveries.

Of the new cases, 42 were in the Northern Health region, which has 314 active cases and 5,194 recoveries. In the area, 42 people are hospitalized, with 13 in critical care. There’s been a total of 120 deaths in the area since the start of the pandemic.

Last week, March 14-20, 25 cases of the virus were reported in the Peace River North Local Health area. In Peace River South, there were 74 new cases.

Provincially right now, 303 people are currently hospitalized, with 85 of these in intensive care. Three new deaths were reported, for a total of 1,441.

The province confirmed 71 new variants of concern, for a total of 1,581.

B.C. now has 582,634 doses COVID-19 vaccines administered, 87,180 of which are second doses. Vaccine appointment bookings are now open for people 76 or older, and Indigenous peoples over 55.

Starting next Monday, March 29, people who receive a clinically extremely vulnerable letter will also be able to book vaccine appointments.