BC health officials say the use of non-medical masks in public settings is a good way to protect those around you. A joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says masks should be used when it's difficult to keep a physical distance. Canada's public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam also says Canadians should wear masks as an added layer of protection. Dix and Henry say face coverings keep the users' droplets in but won't prevent the virus from being transmitted by others. There have been 21 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the province today, u

Canada's chief public health officer says there has been a social, cultural shift around the wearing of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. After first suggesting wearing a mask, Dr. Theresa Tam is now recommending covering your face when maintaining physical distance might not be possible. She says thinking it of as protecting each other from being exposed to the virus is a key concept for Canadians. Dr. Tam is again stressing that for summer, outside activities are better than inside and keeping a physical distance and hand washing will continue to be key.

The City of Surrey has announced Surrey Canada Day will be hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. Virtual Surrey Canada Day will take place on July 1 and will be broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube Live. Hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, this year’s free family-friendly virtual event will feature a series of segments including, musical entertainment, virtual tours, indigenous and cultural acts, a “Family Hour” for kids and seniors, dance lessons, a rodeo tribute, and a virtual firework finale to end the

Large companies that receive bridge financing through a new federal loan program will have to give the government the option to take an ownership stake, or provide a cash equivalent.Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the terms will be the same for any company asking for help through the program that opens for applications today.He says the terms are designed to make sure companies using the program receive bridge loans, not bailouts, to get through COVID-19's economic disruptions.The Liberals have said the loans would be on commercial terms, and require companies to have already gone to banks

The Canadian Armed Forces is turning to the U.S. military for assistance in recovering the downed Cyclone helicopter off the coast of Greece.The helicopter crashed on April 29 within sight of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton while participating in a NATO training mission.The remains of two Armed Forces members on board have been recovered, while four others are missing and presumed dead.While the voice and flight-data recorder were recovered, the main wreckage is beneath about 3,000 metres of water.Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau, who overseas all Canadian military missions at home and abroad,

The United States has agreed to Canada's request to extend the mutual ban on non-essential cross-border travel until June 21.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the extension today.He calls it an important decision that will protect citizens in both countries.The deal, which prohibits discretionary travel while permitting trade shipments, commerce and essential workers to continue to move in both directions, was first reached in mid-March and extended for 30 days last month.Officials and stakeholders on both sides of the border have hailed the agreement as a successful measure in curbing t

Business owners are encouraged to "take it slow" as B.C. begins the second phase of its restart plan.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she understands there will be anxiety as B.C. businesses open their doors for potentially the first time in several months.Starting today, restaurants, cafes and pubs, retail and personal service establishments, libraries, museums and galleries, office spaces and child care facilities may reopen.Parks, beaches and recreational facilities are reopening, too.Henry says she knows people are a "little bit afraid" and says they should "take it slow" du

The BC General Aviation Association says a memorial flyover tomorrow in tribute to the victim of yesterday's deadly Snowbird plane crash in Kamloops will quote ``pick up where the Snowbirds left off.'' A group of 35 BC pilots will depart from Abbotsford Airport and fly over Vancouver in what has been dubbed Operation Backup Inspiration, a nod to the Snowbirds event called Operation Inspiration. The event lists strict rules, such as no formation flying, to ensure safety during the memorial. Captain Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer with the Canadian Forces, died in yesterday's crash. "Provi

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces died in a Snowbird plane crash in Kamloops today. The Kamloops Airport says emergency crews were responding to the crash. The Snowbirds aerobatics team was scheduled to make a trip from Kamloops to Vernon today as part of Operation Inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation Inspiration started in Nova Scotia earlier this month and features the team's signature nine-jet formation. It was aimed at boosting morale as Canadians continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled start was delayed because of rain and low visibility. Operatio