Dr. Bonnie Henry announced two new cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. (Government of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW

COVID-19 CASES

Province announces two additional COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island, 472 total in British Columbia

Mar 23, 2020 | 10:10 AM

NANAIMO — The provincial health officer has confirmed 48 new cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.

Included in the new cases are two additional cases in the Island Health region, bringing the total to 39. Across British Columbia, there have been 472 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said on Monday, March 23 there had been three additional deaths over the weekend, with 100 people in B.C. now recovered and released from isolation.

Dr. Henry spoke further on social isolation and said despite some posts on social media, people are doing their part.

“It is ok if you’re not in self-isolation, yes you can go outside and go only with your family members and small groups…maintain those distances,” Dr. Henry said. “It is important for us to keep our health and mental health going as well through this.”

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She added essential services will remain open during the pandemic, despite what she referred to as ‘monumental shifts’ in our way of life over the past few weeks.

“All of us can manage this only by making sure we have essential services going,” Dr. Henry said. “Things like our grocery stores are essential…our banks, our pharmacies, but we need to have safe measures so that we can all get the food, medications we need in a safe way.”

Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to stay at home during the crisis. He also touted a new spending bill which is due to be debated beginning Tuesday in Ottawa.

Trudeau said the legislative package would allow the government to quickly get money into pockets of Canadians who need the help paying their bills, such as rent.

The provincial health office had previously ordered all restaurants move to a take-out or delivery service only. During the update on Saturday, March 21, Dr. Henry also ordered all personal service businesses such as salons and tattoo parlours to close during the pandemic.

Local officials took further steps late last week and over the weekend to curb the spread of the virus. On Friday, Parksville became the first mid-Island municipality to close all playgrounds.

The City of Nanaimo followed suit following public pressure on Saturday night.

–with files from The Canadian Press

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