British Columbia still has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Health Minister Adrian Dix is reporting 77 new cases bringing the total to 348. That surpasses the 318 being reported in Ontario today. Dix says 22 patients are in acute care and the province will spare no effort to ensure it has the equipment in place to protect health care and other essential workers. BC's provincial health officer is ordering restaurants to cease all operations except take out and delivery to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she decided on the order because it's cl

Liquor stores in British Columbia are adjusting their hours but will remain open as Vancouver ordered restaurants to stop offering dine in services at midnight. The provincial government says hours are changing at BC Liquor Stores so that staff can do additional cleaning to minimize the risk to employees and customers from COVID-19. When necessary, the number of customers allowed in stores will also be limited to maintain self-distancing. The government says there are no shortages of beer, wine or spirits but the stores have not been able to keep shelves stocked because of an increase in sale

A regional airline that connects 16 airports around BC, from Cranbrook to Prince George, Massett and Tofino is suspending all operations effective Tuesday because of concern about COVID-19. Pacific Coastal Airlines says the delay until Tuesday gives travellers a chance to get home or make other plans, and the suspension will continue until at least May 3rd, when it will be reassessed, if conditions allow. President Quentin Smith says there was no other choice, given the rapidly deteriorating situation and the need to be socially responsible about halting the spread of the new coronavirus. Pac

British Columbia has recorded an eighth death from COVID-19 as the number of infections climbs to 271 cases. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the latest death is a man who was a resident of the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, where six others have died. The province also announced 40 new cases today. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the majority of cases are in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health regions. She says precautions everyone must take to protect each other are ``not optional'' but that maintaining social distance must come with keeping a social connecti

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in BC bringing the total to 231. Dr. Bonnie Henry says most are at home in self isolation and there have been no additional deaths. But Henry says it's extremely important that people and businesses follow social distancing rules aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. She says legal orders are a measure of last resort but people are expected to follow voluntary recommendations to stay a safe distance away from each other.

In Vancouver, Mayor Kennedy Stewart is convening a special virtual council meeting on Thursday aimed at getting support for the declaration of a local state of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart says the measure would allow the city to take action against people who are hoarding. It would also let the city act on businesses that have remained open when they should be closed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Seven Langley firefighters have been directed to stay home after exposure to a person confirmed to have the coronavirus. Chief Stephen Gamble tells CTV Vancouver the exposure occurred several days ago but Langley Fire Rescue was only notified about it yesterday. Gamble says initially eight members of the service were ordered to self isolate but one has since been cleared to return to work. He won't speculate on whether the other seven could have exposed other members of the department or the public to COVID-19 until their test results are back.

ICBC has temporarily suspended all road tests amid the evolving coronavirus pandemic. It also says all customers visiting an ICBC driver licensing office will be asked screening questions for the virus and be asked to go home if they respond yes to any questions. Access to waiting areas is also being limited to ensure appropriate social distancing. ICBC says road tests can be rebooked online and it will reassess whether to resume them in two weeks.

British Columbia is confirming another three deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic and another 83 cases of the novel coronavirus. BC's total number of cases is now 186. The province is declaring a public health emergency. Alberta and Ontario made similar declarations earlier today.