Despite a number of warnings, B.C. Mounties are using Fraud Prevention Month to try and hit the point home: steer clear of puppy scams in the province. Sgt. Kris Clark is the Media Relations Officer for Federal Serious and Organized Crime, and says ultimately, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. The pandemic has created a bit more of a struggle with people trying to add a four-legged friend to their home. People are using technology instead of face-to-face methods, which is ultimately how people end up losing their hard-earned cash. No dog is excluded from this, but There are certain things you can do to verify the dog exists. I mean, for one, talk to the person on the phone, try to go and meet the dog before you commit to the purchase. A study done by the Better Business Bureau last year suggested Canadians would collectively lose about $3 million due to pandemic-related pet swindles.
People at higher risk from COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions will be able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine beginning next Monday. The province says about 200-thousand people aged 16 and older who are clinically extremely vulnerable will be eligible to receive their first dose in the coming weeks. Those identified as extremely vulnerable include transplant recipients and those suffering from respiratory conditions or various forms of cancer. They will receive a letter in the mail informing them how to book an appointment and must bring it with them when they arrive to get their vaccination. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the province is able to expand its vaccination rollout because it has made tremendous progress on its age-based program
Canada’s top doctor says she knows everyone is tired of the “tricks and turns” of COVID-19. But Doctor Theresa Tam says Canadians have reason to be hopeful as the vaccination campaign continues to pick up steam. However, she cautions that it is vital to continue following public health guidelines, given the rising numbers of COVID-19 variant cases. She says stronger evidence coming from the United Kingdom — where the B-1-1-7 strain originated — shows it can cause more severe illness in the elderly and younger people.
A pop star is revealing details about her troubled past. The first two episodes of the four-part docuseries “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” are out now on YouTube. The singer and actress details the complications of her 2018 overdose, including three strokes and a heart attack. The final two episodes premiere on March 30th and April 6th.
Months after the federal government asked Canadian airlines to suspend all flights to sun destinations, Air Canada says it will restore some service along routes to Jamaica, Mexico and Barbados beginning in early May. The suspension was intended to last until April 30th, and Air Canada says it will offer three flights per week from Toronto to Mexico City starting May 3rd. One flight per week from Toronto to Kingston, Jamaica and Bridgetown, Barbados will begin on May 5th and May 9th, respectively.
Five mass COVID-19 vaccination centres – including ones in South Surrey, Cloverdale and North Delta – are being opened by Fraser Health, and are to be available to book appointments by the end of the month. Vaccination centres at the South Surrey Recreation Centre (14601 20 Ave.) and Cloverdale Recreation Centre (6188 176 St.) – as well as locations in Coquitlam and Chilliwack – will be accepting appointments on March 29, while the North Delta site, at the North Delta Recreation Centre (11415 84 Ave.) begins its booking process today (March 23). A testing and immunization centre at the South Surrey Park and Ride – with vaccinations done by drive-through appointment only is already open.
Surrey RCMP say two suspects in an alleged armed robbery in Surrey have been arrested. Shortly before 8 p.m. on Sunday (March 21), police were called to a report of a robbery near 57th Avenue and 148th Street for a call that “two unknown males flagged down a passing vehicle, under the pretense of needing assistance,” according to a release from Surrey RCMP Corporal Joanie Sidhu. Sidhu said the suspects are “alleged to have produced a weapon and stole the victim’s personal property.” The suspects, she said, then left in a “nearby” vehicle. The Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team “immediately” broadcasted details about the incident to other Lower Mainland police agencies. Sidhu said one hour later, the suspects were arrested by the Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Team in the 7700-block of 18th Avenue. She added Surrey RCMP took custody of the suspects, who remained in custody until they were due in court this morning.