22.01°C Vancouver

Mar 21, 2020 12:42 AM -

BC has highest number of COVID-19 cases in Canada, 77 new cases bring the total to 348

Share On
bc-has-highest-number-of-covid-19-cases-in-canada-77-new-cases-bring-the-total-to-348
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry responds to questions during a news conference about the provincial response to the coronavirus, in Vancouver, on Friday, March 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

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 clear they're having trouble following social distancing rules in their dining rooms.

Earlier today the city of Vancouver exercised its emergency powers to order restaurants to cease all table service as of midnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One-hundred-and-sixty-six playgrounds across the city are also being closed.

Latest news

two-men-charged-in-windsor-child-grooming-human-trafficking-investigation-police-seek-two-more-suspects
BCJul 09, 2026

Two men charged in Windsor child grooming, human trafficking investigation

Two Windsor men are facing a combined 17 criminal charges after a Windsor Police Service investigation into the alleged grooming, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of two underage girls. Police say two additional suspects remain outstanding. According to a Windsor Police Service news release, the investigation began in April 2026 after the Human Trafficking Unit received information that a youth had been groomed and sexually exploited by an unknown suspect. Investigators allege the victim met a man using the name "Jack" on Snapchat before the relationship moved offline. Police allege t
BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Quebec introduces testing requirement for newer Ontario truck drivers seeking licence transfers

The Quebec government has announced temporary measures requiring some Ontario truck drivers to pass a practical road test before transferring their commercial licences to Quebec, citing concerns about driver training and road safety. Under the changes announced Thursday, Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of driving experience who want to exchange their licence for a Quebec equivalent will now be required to pass a practical driving examination. Drivers who fail the test twice will be required to complete additional training before becoming eligible, according to the Quebec
several-structures-destroyed-as-two-out-of-control-wildfires-burn-in-b-c-s-fraser-canyon
BCJul 09, 2026

Several Structures Destroyed as Two Out-of-Control Wildfires Burn in B.C.'s Fraser Canyon

Several structures have been destroyed by two out-of-control wildfires burning in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon region, according to the Fraser Valley Regional District. Officials say conditions near Boston Bar remain too dangerous for crews to complete a full assessment of the damage. According to authorities, the Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to 16,987 hectares after igniting on July 4. The Brunswick Creek wildfire, first detected on July 2, has also expanded and is now estimated at approximately 2,600 hectares. Reports indicate Blue Lake Resort has sustained significant damage from th

Related News