Health officials in British Columbia are advising against all non essential travel outside of Canada including to the United States. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says anyone who chooses to travel outside of Canada will be required to stay away from work or school for 14 days upon their return. She is also recommending that organizers cancel any events for 250 or more people. Health Minister Adrian Dix says schools will remain open but officials will consult over the spring break to determine appropriate policies and procedures. Henry and Dix made the announcement as the province

Alberta has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The province's chief medical health officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, says the cases include a two year old who had travelled with family to Florida. The child, who is from the Calgary area, is expected to recover. Hinshaw is also recommending organizers cancel events in the province with more than 250 people, and that no one travel outside Canada. Alberta now has a total of 23 cases, all travel related.

All three major winter sport world championships scheduled for Canada this season have now been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers have called off the world women's curling championship in Prince George, BC, which was scheduled to start Saturday. The world women's hockey championship in Nova Scotia was called off over the weekend and the world figure skating championships in Montreal were cancelled yesterday.

Concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic saw global markets in freefall, with New York's Dow Jones industrial average posting its biggest loss since 1987, closing down almost 10 per cent to 21,200.62. Canada's main stock index plunged 1,761.64 points, or 12.34 per cent, to 12,508.45, with every sector in the red. European stock markets have had one of their worst days in history, with investors worried about a US travel ban that covers much of Europe.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says she and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have agreed to stay in constant contact in regards to the fate of our shared border and any travel restrictions. Last night, U-S President Donald Trump announced any foreign nationals who recently spent time in Europe will not be allowed entry, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Freeland says she stressed Canada's very strong public health care system, and measures being taken to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Saskatchewan has announced its first presumptive case of COVID-19 the same day as the Juno Awards were cancelled over concerns about the virus. Doctor Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer, says the individual is in their 60s and recently travelled to Egypt. Shahab says the person is in self-isolation at home and has had minimal contact with others. Saskatchewan Health officials want all travellers to watch for signs of a cough or fever for two weeks and start self-isolating if they experience any symptoms. So far at least 285 people have been tested for COVID-19.

The ongoing crisis situation of COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of Surrey Vaisakhi parade, which is considered as one of Metro Vancouver’s biggest public events. The organizers of day long celebrations, the largest Vaisakhi parade in the world, that draws in excess of 5,00,000 guests, have been closely monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 in the region. And keeping the situation in view, the organizers say the Surrey Vaisakhi parade will not go ahead on April 25. According to a release, the decision was difficult, and it was made after extensive consultation with regional and pr

An RCMP officer in British Columbia has been charged with 11 counts related to alleged indecent acts. A statement from the Richmond detachment says the incidents allegedly occurred near a school in Vancouver. Supt. Will Ng, the detachment commander for the Richmond RCMP, says senior Mounties were alerted early last year that an off-duty officer was the subject of an investigation by Vancouver police. Ng says the RCMP also launched an internal code of conduct investigation. The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges against Andrew Seangio, including 10 counts of indecent act and one count

Health Minister Patty Hajdu says Canadians looking at whether to travel for March break should consider staying home. Speaking to reporters before question period in the House of Commons today, Hajdu said her advice to Canadians considering travel during school spring break is that they should consider a ``staycation.'' Canadians are being encouraged to continue to check travel advisories before leaving for any international trips.