Victoria, BC (WNews Vancouver) – BC has reported 566 new cases of COVID19 cases on Tuesday afternoon, for a total of 38,718 cases in BC. There have also been 16 new deaths, for a total of 543.
The 16 fatalities bring the province’s COVID-19 death toll to 543. It is the first time in more than two weeks that B.C. officials reported fewer than 600 new daily cases.
Of the new cases, 297 were in the Fraser Health region and 136 were in Coastal Health. Interior Health reported 74 cases, Northern Health recorded 48 cases, and Island Health had 11.
Officials reported 9,315 active cases, meanwhile — a decrease of 65 from Monday. The number of people in hospital with the virus rose to 352 with 74 in intensive care.
The numbers come a day after the province extended its ban on social gatherings through the holidays and into the new year. The ban on social gatherings included closures of places of worship, fitness classes.
B.C. Premier John Horgan said Tuesday that approximately 4,000 high-risk people will receive immunizations by the end of next week. The Government plans to release more details on the immunization plan at a Wednesday’s Press Conference.
BC To Open Online Application for One-Time Recovery Benefit Dec. 18
The government released plans for the promise of recovery benefit for eligible BC residents. Beginning next Friday, December 18, residents can apply for up to $1000 for families and $500 for individuals. The payments will be made within days with the first payments expected before Christmas vis Direct Deposit.
The Minister of Finance said that payments will continue right into the New Year for eligible people. Applicants must provide their Social Insurance Number and Driver License number. “If you have a B.C. driver’s licence, you must provide your driver’s licence number.” According to the site.
According to the government’s site, Person with Disabilities and Income Assistance can also apply for one-time funding.
If you’re on income or disability assistance and don’t have a bank account, a modified application will be available in the new year to help you apply for and receive the benefit.
$1,000 is expected for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $125,000. The reduced benefit amount for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $175,000.
$500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500 Reduced benefit amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $87,500.
The information is based on 2019 tax information, which has drawn criticism from some due to the fact that most people’s income has dropped during the 2020 tax year.
The government also announced that the $150 per month for people on Disability and Income Assistance will be added in January, February and March payments.
The Phone Application Line will open up on December 21 to help those without a computer.