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

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.