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COVID-19

British Columbia Expands Vaccine Eligibility, Imposes Travel Restrictions Amid COVID-19 Surge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced that British Columbia will expand eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine to individuals 40 and above, citing the need to address the hospitalization risk caused by COVID-19 variants. This move comes as the province faces a third wave of the pandemic, with nine out of 19 designated COVID-19 hospitals implementing surge protocols and eliminating scheduled surgeries. Non-essential travel between health authorities and into British Columbia will be restricted, with hotels canceling reservations for visitors from outside their health authority and police enforcing the rules at checkpoints.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AstraZeneca vaccine is being targeted at individuals 40 and above to address the hospitalization risk caused by COVID-19 variants.
  • Nine out of 19 designated COVID-19 hospitals in British Columbia have implemented surge protocols, eliminating scheduled surgeries and medical services to ensure staff are available for rising COVID cases.
  • The province is expanding vaccine eligibility, and adults born in 1981 or earlier can now register for an AstraZeneca vaccine through their pharmacy.
  • The risk of a rare blood clot associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine is estimated to be about four in one million, compared to the risk of COVID-19 as variants drive transmission across B.C.
  • Travel restrictions will include checkpoints on major roads, banning non-essential travelers and leisure vehicles on BC Ferries, and canceling bookings for tourists from outside their health authority.
  • Premier John Horgan emphasized that the travel restrictions are aimed at those who are "recklessly flaunting the rules," not those who are regularly going about their business.
  • An average of 986 new daily cases were reported over the weekend, with hospitalizations reaching a record 441, and 138 people in intensive care.
  • Health Minister Adrian Dix noted that while there is still ample capacity across the province, certain hospitals are feeling the strain, including Vancouver General Hospital, which is using 13 surge beds for intensive care.

Statistics:

  • 30% of adults in B.C. have received at least a first dose of a vaccine, with 3.2 million remaining to be immunized.
  • B.C. is on track to provide a first shot to everyone who wants one by July 1 and a second shot by September, according to vaccine lead Dr. Penny Ballem.
  • Eight people died over the weekend, including a two-year-old child.
  • Hospitalizations may increase in the next week or so if the number of new cases continues to rise.
  • The risk of a rare blood clot associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine is estimated to be about four in one million.

Sources:

  • Tyee British Columbia will expand AstraZeneca vaccine eligibility to people over 40, extend current "circuit-breaker" restrictions through the May long weekend, and impose travel restrictions as COVID-19 cases begin to stretch hospitals to their limits.
  • Dr. Bonnie Henry
  • Premier John Horgan
  • Health Minister Adrian Dix
  • Dr. Penny Ballem

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