Thread by @j_mcelroy

165 new cases of #COVID19 announced in B.C., as the province's rolling average and active case load continues to decline, though now at a slower pace than the last seven weeks.

No new deaths for just the second time in a month.

Today's chart.

Just 18,283 people in B.C. were given a first vaccine dose yesterday, the lowest number since the April long weekend.

As we've been talking about, the full slowdown has begun.

31,262 second doses, a record high, and we'll have more record high days to come.

The predictable chart continues ... actually, it's slowing down now.

We're entering a new phase of this pandemic, and how many people it impacts will depend on a fair bit on far down these lines keep going, and how many more people get vaccinated.

Because it bears repeating that B.C.'s strategy isn't "eliminate the virus" but closer to "contain the virus through vaccines and other measures so that restrictions can be lifted and the health care system isn't overwhelmed."

Some people will be frustrated by the government not having a set number for hospitalizations/deaths to determine that "new normal" figure, and some people will be frustrated that we're moving there too soon.

But based on what we know, it seems like we're moving there.

Overall this is a very good space for B.C. to be in when you consider three months ago — but between the slowdown in our decline and first doses, and questions about variants, we still have to live with uncertainty and caution for a while yet.

Keep making smart choices.

i see we're all enjoying the video about journalists going insane much more than the thread with cautious optimism but notes of caution and honestly that's to be expected

https://twitter.com/j_mcelroy/status/1402349199845326851