Pregnant woman aged 16 and over can now register for the COVID-19 vaccine through public health. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CASE DROP

Pregnant women aged 16 and over eligible to register for COVID-19 vaccine

May 4, 2021 | 3:21 PM

NANAIMO — A third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is, at least temporarily, subsiding.

A joint statement from the province and public health confirmed 697 new cases for B.C. on Tuesday, May 4, continuing a steep decline over recent days.

Island Health confirmed 19 new cases, including six in the central Island. The number of active cases dropped by nine to 203 including 79 on central Vancouver Island.

Active cases in British Columbia dropped to 7,161 with a further 10,961 people under active monitoring by public health.

Hospitalizations rose slightly over Monday’s report, up 12 to 486 including 173 in intensive care. One person in the province passed away due to COVID-19, the 1,597th to lose their life to the virus.

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A further 32,832 doses of vaccine were administered through select pharmacies and public health clinics including 531 second doses.

On Monday, the province said increased supply of vaccine arriving in B.C. over the coming months would mean an increase of the vaccination schedule.

The current 16-week gap between a first and second dose would likely be accelerated, along with adding more at-risk groups to the queue.

“Today, we are adding pregnant persons 16 and older to those who are eligible to book their vaccine. If you are pregnant, this is your time,” the release read.

B.C. was the first Canadian province to extend the length of time between the first and second dose of vaccine. The rest of the country followed suit.

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