Category Archives: Nanaimo
'There's nothing to compare this to:' tourism operators struggle to navigate COVID-19 uncertainty
NANAIMO - Local hospitality providers are being forced into survival mode as social distancing and self-isolation become common practices to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Several area restaurants have ...
Mar 21, 2020 The Grand Hotel in Nanaimo is one of dozens of hospitality providers struggling to navigate the constantly changing COVID-19 pandemic. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Fund established for overwhelmed and critical Nanaimo service providers
NANAIMO - Service providers at the frontlines of helping vulnerable populations are being overwhelmed as the COVID-19 crisis escalates. Signy Madden, executive director of the United Way Central and N...
Mar 20, 2020 The Local Love in a Global Crisis Fund aims to help overwhelmed service providers who are on the frontlines of care. (UWCNVI)
Vancouver Island cases of COVID-19 reach 30, dining in restaurants now banned
NANAIMO - The total number of COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island has reach 30, with eight new cases announced by the province on Friday, March 20. It brings the total of confirmed cases in British Col...
Mar 20, 2020
City of Parksville shuts down playgrounds to reduce COVID-19 transmission
PARKSVILLE - All playgrounds under the City of Parksville's control are closed indefinitely in a bid to help slow the spread of COVID-19.The Friday announcement from the City is effective immediately ...
Mar 20, 2020 All City of Parksville playgrounds are closed indefinitely. The order applies to playgrounds on City property and does not cover school district property or other public parks and trails in Parksville. (Alex Rawnley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Potential COVID-19 exposures announced in Ladysmith, Saanich and UVIC
NANAIMO - Both local health authorities and area businesses have confirmed COVID-19 exposures in specific locations of the Island.The Petro-Canada gas station and attached 7-Eleven in Ladysmith posted...
Mar 20, 2020 The Petro-Canada/7-11 in Ladysmith closed following a confirmed case of COVID-19. (Google Maps)
COVID-19 precautions mean free transit for Nanaimo and area riders
NANAIMO - Efforts to promote social distancing and limit face-to-face encounters are having a positive benefit for bus riders. The Regional District of Nanaimo announced all their buses will be loaded...
Mar 20, 2020 RDN Transit riders will now enter through the rear doors of all buses, unless they have mobility challenges at which point they can use the front. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island, entering 'critical time'
NANAIMO - The provincial health officer has confirmed six new cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver IslandThe announcement from Dr. Bonnie Henry brings the total of confirmed cases of the virus to 22 in the ...
Mar 19, 2020 Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed six new cases on Vancouver Island of COVID-19 and 40 new cases across B.C. (Province of British Columbia)
Air Canada temporarily suspends 42 domestic routes, including 4 on Vancouver Island
NANAIMO - Air Canada will temporarily suspend service on a number of domestic routes to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic, including a route linking Nanaimo.Beginning Monday, March 23 the airline will...
Mar 19, 2020 Air Canada plans to suspend service between three Vancouver Island airports to a variety of destinations, beginning March 23. (Air Canada)
Nanaimo food bank strained, operations reduced during COVID-19 crisis
NANAIMO - Donations are down and operations forced to scale back as the Nanaimo food bank braces for increased demand. Peter Sinclair, executive director of the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, ...
Mar 19, 2020 Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank executive director Peter Sinclair receives food donations during an important transition period for the non-profit agency. (Submitted photo)
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce dismayed at communication gaps in gov't response to COVID-19
NANAIMO - The province's announcement ministers will reconvene on Monday, March 23 to pass legislation about the economic impacts of COVID-19 did not sit well with some at the frontlines. "Waiting unt...
Mar 19, 2020 B.C.'s public safety minister Mike Farnworth (left), federal finance minister Bill Morneau (centre) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right), who all made major announcements on Wednesday. (The Canadian Press)