The National Police Federation issued a swift and scathing response to Dr. Bonnie Henry's comments about handling of addiction issues, calling them 'inaccurate and disrespectful.'

It was the highest daily total of new cases for Fraser Health since the start of January, and the highest single-day total of new cases recorded yet in Northern Health. 

The number of active cases held relatively steady at 4,317, while another 6,869 people were isolating due to possible exposure.

It's nearly double the 288 cases Vancouver Coastal Health said it had confirmed in Whistler between Jan. 1 and Jan. 26.

The current restrictions expire at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 6.

This includes all middle and secondary students and K-12 staff and they must wear non-medical masks in all indoor areas, including when they are with their learning groups.

Wednesday's COVID-19 update for B.C. marked the fifth consecutive day that new cases were below 500.

Another five patients have been admitted to hospital since Monday, health officials announced, with three more people in intensive care.

The province has seen its infection rate drop recently after spiking late last year.

"For the Australian Open taking place next week, they're going to have 30,000 people a day. That's the kind of situation we want to see in Canada."