Holiday decorations were just one of the glimmers that brightened our community last week. A long-awaited announcement about Health Canada’s approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine has given us new hope in our struggle to end the pandemic.

In addition to publishing monthly case totals, the BC Centre for Disease Control will now be releasing weekly case numbers for each local health area in the province. The Powell River local health area (LHA) includes the City of Powell River, qathet Regional District (minus Lasqueti), and Tla’amin Nation.

The good news came from health officials today that one specific type of COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by Health Canada and a limited amount will be available in B.C. next week. Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry delivered the details Wednesday, including when the vaccine will be available, and which groups will be offered immunization first.

For the better part of a year now the COVID-19 pandemic has been profoundly impacting our lives. Some of us have been dealing with loved ones who have fallen ill – locally or in other locations. But many more of us have been affected emotionally, economically, socially or psychologically.

How does our situation in Powell River relate to the pandemic elsewhere in the province and country? This is a question that has been top of mind for many of us. The connections are not always clear, but they are important.

WE ARE MAKING A VIDEO, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

How are you caring for yourself and others through the challenges of the pandemic? We want to highlight and celebrate all the hard work and mutual care that the people in this region have been sharing with each other over these past difficult months.