Health officials in Ontario are confirming the province's first death in a patient with COVID-19.A spokesman for the province's health minister says the 77 year old man in the Muskoka region was not a confirmed case, but the illness was discovered after his death.The exact cause of his death is still under investigation.It's the first Canadian fatality outside British Columbia linked to the novel coronavirus.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The state of emergency prohibits organized public events of 50 or more people in Ontario until March 31.Effective immediately, all public libraries, private schools, licensed child daycares, theatres, cinemas and other public venues in the province must close.All bars and restaurants must close except to provide takeout food and delivery.Essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies will continue to operate.

Canada is now denying entry to nearly everyone who isn't a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but Americans are exempt from that ban.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the level of integration between Canada and the United States is behind that decision. But he says there's more work to be done in the coming days to ensure Canadians are being kept safe and that the necessary goods keep flowing. Trudeau says Canada and the U.S. are co-ordinating closely.

The annual Vancouver Vaisakhi parade has been cancelled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.The parade was scheduled to happen on April 18, 2020.Each year this celebration draws over 150,000 spectators.It’s the first time in the event’s 41 year history that it’s been cancelled.Organizers said they look forward to everyone’s participation and enjoyment in next year’s parade.

City of Surrey Recreation Centres, Ice Arenas, Pools and Libraries will be closed effective tomorrow (Monday, March 16) until further notice. Mayor Doug McCallum has directed the closure of all City of Surrey Recreation Centres, Ice Arenas, Pools and Libraries to minimize the risk of transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Full refunds will be provided to anyone who has registered for activities affected by the closure and library due dates will be suspended during this period. “Given the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, I am taking a proactive approach to ensure the health and saf

There are now 341 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada. All 10 provinces report cases either confirmed or presumptive. At a briefing today in Ottawa, Dr. Theresa Tam, the head of the Public Health Agency of Canada, calls the situation “serious”.She says the window for controlling the virus is narrowing.Tam says all the medical officers of health in Canada agree things like travel, and large gathering of 250 people or more must be cancelled.

The federal government says any Canadian who's abroad should get back home while it's still possible. That's a step up from previous advice, which urged travellers outside the country to think about doing so. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne tweeted the new recommendation. He warns that commercial travel options might not remain available amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some countries have already taken measures such as stopping or sharply limiting air traffic.

British Columbia has 11 new cases of COVID-19, all of them in the Vancouver area, bringing the total in the province to 64. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the new cases also involve an ``additional cluster'' that was reported earlier today at the Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. Three administrative workers at the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19. Vancouver Coastal Health says they are in self-isolation at home and are recovering. Henry says they have not worked in the hospital's clinical areas. There is also another case related to the Lynn Valley Care Centr

Canadians are being told to avoid non essential travel outside of the country and to be prepared not to be allowed back home if they do. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne issued the global travel advisory this afternoon, urging those currently aboard to consider ending their trip early. The government notes new border restrictions, flight cancellations and quarantines could prevent people from returning to Canada. And those out of the country should make sure they have enough money and necessities in case their plans are disrupted.