BC looking at 'modified return' to normal in coming weeks, reports 1,462 COVID cases over the weekend

Health officials reported 1,462 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths in BC over the weekend.

Of the new cases, 407 were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 802 were in the Fraser Health region, 72 in Island Health, 79 in Interior Health, and 102 in Northern Health.

The number of people in hospital with the virus dropped by 15 to 240, with 66 of those patients in ICU.

BC's call centre is now booking vaccination appointments for seniors over 90 and Indigenous people over 65.

Health Minister Adrian Dix reported that the call centre received 1.7-million calls on Monday morning, prompting him to remind the public that only those eligible may book an appointment.

To date, 333,327 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC, 86,925 of which are second doses.

During a live press conference, Dr. Bonnie Henry said BC will likely see a modified return to normal in the coming weeks.

Without providing details, she said officials will take a "phased approach" to permitting the return of youth sports and religious gatherings.

Officials will also provide more details on Spring Break regulations later this week, however, Henry suggested people will be able to travel with their households.

Social gatherings have been banned for past three months in BC.