Province declares public health emergency due to COVID-19

VICTORIA — The provincial government has declared a public health emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak.

There are 83 new cases in B.C., 2 more in the northern Health region, and three more deaths for a total of eight in Canada. That brings the total number of coronavirus cases in Northern Health to 4 and in B.C. to 186.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says bars and clubs in the province must close because they can’t meet social distancing policies.

She says restaurants can remain open if they can incorporate distancing measures and crowd size rules.