The BC Coroners Service said 1,202 people have died of a fatal overdose so far this year, compared to a total of 983 deaths in 2019. The death toll in September is more than double the 60 fatalities recorded in the same month last year. The province recorded 150 overdose deaths in August, 178 in July, 183 in June and 177 in May. The death toll makes 2020 the third-deadliest year on record for drug overdoses, behind 2017 and 2018. People between the ages of 30 and 59, especially men, continue to account for the highest number of deaths.

Source: CBC News October 20, 2020 16:59 UTC