By Canadian Press

CP NewsAlert: B.C. front-line workers to be eligible for vaccine in weeks

Mar 18, 2021 | 1:17 PM

VICTORIA — More than 300,000 front-line workers in British Columbia will now be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in the coming weeks.

The government says grocery workers, police, firefighters, teachers, postal employees and other front-line staff are considered priority groups and will be eligible to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Premier John Horgan says by immunizing these workers, they are making workplaces and communities throughout the province safer. 

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the age-based rollout is ahead of schedule and with the AstraZeneca supply arriving, the province can protect those working in specific front-line industries. 

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced last week that workers in food processing plants, agricultural operations and industrial camps would be eligible for early vaccination.  

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

14h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

16h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

17h ago

The province says it expects to receive about 340,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of May and it plans to use a combination of community pharmacists, existing clinics and mobile clinics at some work sites to administer the vaccine to front-line workers.

More coming…

The Canadian Press