Public Health Alerts
Health alerts such as outbreaks, boil water advisories and product recalls can come from various trusted sources throughout the Province of British Columbia, in your local Health Authority area, and right across Canada. This section of our website brings together all of these alerts in one location.
Each of the health authorities in the Province are responsible for providing current public health information to the people who live in that region. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These links will help you access the information that affects the community you live in.
We have highlighted the most recent alerts from all regions and sources in British Columbia, to ensure you have quick access to the latest public information that may affect you and your family. For food recalls, medication and product recalls, and allergy alerts issues by Government of Canada agencies, visit the Across Canada tab. For information on air quality, forest fires, food inspections and water quality advisories, visit the In Your Area tab.
Most Recent Alerts 
July 26, 2024
In response to the provincial health officer’s decision to end the COVID-19 public-health emergency, which ends the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in health-care settings, the Province is making it mandatory for health-care workers to disclose their immunization status as a way to help keep people safe.
July 26, 2024
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer (PHO), has issued the following statement: “As British Columbia’s provincial health officer, I am issuing an order to end the public-health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinding all related orders.
July 24, 2024
Smoky skies from wildfires can trigger anxiety or worry in children and youth, especially amidst evacuation alerts or orders. It can be hard to know how to communicate wildfire or evacuation information to children in a way that doesn’t cause them concern.
July 20, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for the following region in Island Health: East Vancouver Island – Campbell River to Duncan. The Province has not declared an extreme heat emergency for this region.
July 19, 2024
Interior Health (IH) is responding to the potential for fire-related impacts to health facilities and clients in the community of Ashcroft due to the Shetland Creek wildfire.
July 18, 2024
Interior Health is reminding people to be safe as prolonged heat warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada continue across the Interior Health region and temperatures in many areas are increasing heading into the weekend.
July 18, 2024
The best way to protect your health from poor air quality and wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure and seek cleaner air.
July 18, 2024
Already in 2024, 12 children have been treated at BC Children's for injuries related to window and balcony falls.
July 17, 2024
Overdoses are increasing in Greater Victoria. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
July 17, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada has recently issued or continued heat warnings for communities across the Northern Health region. Daytime high temperatures in the 30s with overnight lows in the mid teens are expected to last through the weekend, and in some regions into next week. More details on the alerts are available here.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health works with health authorities, health care providers, agencies and other organizations to guide and improve the Province's health services to ensure that British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and better their health. Below is the latest public health-related news released by the Ministry of Health.
In response to the provincial health officer’s decision to end the COVID-19 public-health emergency, which ends the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in health-care settings, the Province is making it mandatory for health-care workers to disclose their immunization status as a way to help keep people safe.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer (PHO), has issued the following statement:
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, July 25, 2024:
Everyone in the Comox Valley, including those in Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation, who wants to be connected to a family doctor will soon have access to one, thanks to the recruitment of dozens of family doctors in partnership with the local primary-care network.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in response to the global system disruption that is affecting many health-authority-owned facilities:
Last Updated: June 11, 2024
Each of the health authorities in the Province are responsible for providing current public health information to the people who live in that region. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These links will help you access the information that affects the community you live in.
Air Quality
- Air Quality Advisories
- BC Air Quality
- BC Air Quality Health Index
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health
- Island Health
- Northern Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Health Canada: Air quality and health
Places to keep cool
When it’s too hot outside, many public places and municipal buildings can offer you a place to cool down. Local community centres, malls, pools and libraries usually have air-conditioned areas open to the public. Most communities in British Columbia have waterparks, wading pools and beaches where you can cool down. Local government websites often list community centres, fountains, libraries, swimming pools, water parks and wading pools.
If your local community is not listed, please call your local municipality or check their website to see where air-conditioned cooling centres are located. You can also contact your local library to see if they are open.
Drinking Water Quality and Advisories
Food Safety and Inspections
Health Authority News Releases
For latest updates from your Health Authority, see:
- BC Centre for Disease Control
- BC Children's Hospital
- Fraser Health
- First Nations Health Authority
- Island Health
- Interior Health
- Northern Health
- Provincial Health Services Authority
- Vancouver Coastal Health
Mental Health and Substance Use
- First Nations Health Authority: Mental Health and Wellness Support
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health: Mental Health and Substance Use Clinical Tools & Resources
- Island Health: Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Northern Health: Mental health and substance use
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Mental health and substance use
Issues such as food recalls, medication and product recalls, and allergy alerts can affect more than one province in Canada. Here we have provided quick access to public health alerts made public by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Healthy Canadians and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
In Canada, most food recalls are coordinated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Depending on the level of risk, the CFIA will issue a warning to the public. Below are the latest recalls issued by the CFIA.
Rambrich Farms brand Mint recalled due to generic E. coli.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter spp. contamination.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.
The food recall warning issued on 2024-07-06 has been updated to include additional product information, marked by an asterisk (*).
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) helps to protect the health and safety of all Canadians. Its activities focus on preventing chronic diseases, preventing injuries, and responding to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. Below are the latest health updates provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
At the national level, indicators of influenza activity are decreasing and remain at interseasonal levels.
In Canada, 2 new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 28, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 27, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 26, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 26, 2024.