B.C. reports 1,759 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths over the weekend

BC is reporting 1,759 new cases of COVID-19 over the past three days.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also announced 20 additional deaths, bringing the total in the province to 1,622.

Dr. Henry says more than two-million residents have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and the immunization program is rapidly accelerating.

She says that starting tonight, all those 40 and older will be able to book an appointment for a vaccination, as well as all those 18 and up in high risk areas.

Dr. Henry says COVID-19 measures will eventually be loosened across the province at the same time despite lower transmission rates in some regions.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says two previous attempts last year to lifting restrictions regionally did not work because people travelling from one area to another brought the illness along or took it back home with them.