B.C. is reporting 411 new COVID-19 cases today, 69 of which were in Interior Health, as the gradual downward trend in new cases continues every day.

There were 285 new cases in Fraser Health, with just 37 in Vancouver Coastal Health, along with 12 in Island Health, and eight in Northern Health.

Active cases are down again to 4,890 across the province, though the number of people in hospital was up by ten from yesterday’s update to 360 people. The number of people in ICU though went down from 132 to 127.

Health officials also reported two more deaths today, taking the provincial death toll to 1,650 people.

There have now been over 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in B.C., including 131,837 second doses.

“We invite everyone in B.C. who is 18 or older to join our team – the more than 2.5 million strong who have received their vaccine or have booked their appointment for the coming days,” a statement from the province said. “This is the team that is making a difference in B.C.’s pandemic response.”

“First doses are well underway and second doses will be coming soon. With a large, steady vaccine supply and an assurance that most people have their first dose, we will be able to look at how we may be able to accelerate delivery of second doses. We’re monitoring this closely and will have more to share in early June.”

Yesterday, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry noted no restrictions would be eased until after the May long weekend. B.C. is expected to release details on what that could look like on Tuesday.

“As we stay small and stay local this coming long weekend, let’s also make registering, booking or getting vaccinated part of our weekend plans,” the statement added. “Together, through our efforts, we will put this pandemic behind us.”

“The more people who get vaccinated, the safer we all are. Whether you are in northern B.C., the Okanagan, Vancouver Island or the Tri-Cities, the simple step of getting immunized will allow us to start to slowly ease the restrictions we have in place.”

There are now 133,383 people in the province who are considered to have recovered from COVID-19, about 95 per cent of the total 140,075 cases in British Columbia.