By Canadian Press

B.C. coroners service to release latest data on overdose deaths amid recent spike

Sep 23, 2020 | 2:04 AM

VANCOUVER — The coroners service is expected to release data today on the latest number of monthly overdose deaths in British Columbia after three months of rising fatalities during the pandemic.

The province recorded 175 overdose deaths in July following its highest-ever monthly death toll in June, when 177 people died from illicit drugs containing extreme concentrations of fentanyl.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe has said border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic have stopped the flow of typical drugs that come into B.C. and opened up business opportunities for those manufacturing even more toxic substances.

The previous monthly high of 161 deaths in December 2016 came eight months after the province declared a public health emergency that is ongoing.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has urged people to use drugs only in the presence of someone equipped with the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

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Last week, she issued an order that is expected to soon allow registered and psychiatric nurses to write prescriptions for safer drugs that are an alternative to those bought on the street.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2020.

The Canadian Press