Here are some of the biggest storylines surrounding the novel coronavirus here in British Columbia:
Justin Trudeau National Address
Today, the Prime Minister is expected to address Canadians on the latest steps being taken by the government to help restrict the spread of COVID-19. Trudeau’s address is expected to focus on non-essential business closures and travel restrictions. CHEK News will be streaming live on our Facebook page at, beginning at 10 am.
Provincial Update Coming
Along with Trudeau’s national announcement we can expect an update from BC’s Health Minister Adrian Dix and the provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry this morning as well. At 11 am, one hour after Trudeau, Dix and Henry will address the current situation in BC and how the federal government announcement applies to our province.
Island post-secondary schools NOT in session
Over the weekend it was announced that post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island, like University of Victoria and Camosun College, will no longer be meeting face-to-face for the rest of the semester. Professors have been asked to deliver course materials through different methods. As of Monday, March 16, students are not to head to the classroom.
Canucks staff member tests positive
A full time office staff member of the Vancouver Canucks has tested positive for COVID-19. According to a statement from Canucks COO Trent Carroll, the club was made aware of the confirmed case on Sunday and have asked all staff to work from home, closing their offices in the meantime. The team said the employee was not in contact with any of the players.
Gym’s closing across the Island
Fitness facilities across Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia are proactively closing their doors in an effort to restrict the spread of coronavirus. Over the weekend fitness brands such as GoodLife and SpinCo closed their doors until further notice as they wait for updates from health officials on when to proceed with business.
With the well-being of our Members, Associates & our community in mind we have made the difficult but important decision to close all GoodLife Fitness Clubs across Canada, effective immediately. Please check https://t.co/GqWWS0P5FK for updates as they become available. pic.twitter.com/kBTwe6HbGr
— GoodLife Fitness (@GoodLifeFitness) March 16, 2020
New airport security measures
On Monday, the Canada Border Services Agency said on Twitter that it is adding additional screening measures at all international airports.
Zoe Weber, a spokeswoman for Vancouver International Airport, says Y-V-R authorities are in contact with the federal government and public health officials who will provide guidance on new measures as soon as they’re available.
#COVID19: New enhanced measures continue to be added at all of #Canada's international airports including these new screening questions for ALL travellers arriving from ANY international destination. #FlattenTheCurve pic.twitter.com/kGZaDPt28N
— Canada Border Services Agency (@CanBorder) March 16, 2020
Washington shuts down non-essential services
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state has announced that all restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities are to be closed immediately, statewide, in order to limit the spread. There have been over 750 confirmed cases in the state to go along with over 40 deaths.
By the numbers:
There are more than 340 presumptive and confirmed cases of coronavirus across the country, as of Monday morning. There still remains just one death in British Columbia
Graham Cox
