"The situation is escalating around us and here in British Columbia as well", Henry said.
The provincial health office has confirmed 30 new cases of coronavirus in British Columbia, with seven on Vancouver Island. Six people are in hospital, while all others are in stable condition and recovering at home.
"In this challenging time, this is what we need to do now.
This means that hospitals will only undertake urgent and emergency procedures and will postpone all un-urgent scheduled surgeries", he said, adding this decision will help free up additional hospital space.
Lions Gate Hospital has put on a heightened "phase three outbreak response" because of the cases identified among staff at the hospital.
School districts are also being consulted on what to do following spring break, they added. As well, the province hopes to acquire more access to beds in long-term care, so that hospitals can move out patients who are in acute care only for lack of a place in a care home.
As for primary care, prescriptions will be refilled without doctor note, while doctors will be compensated for online and over-the-phone care.
Hollyburn House, another seniors home, is also dealing with two people who have tested positive.
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In the US , the Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to zero and launched a massive quantitative easing program.
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The Pro14 and France's Top 14 leagues were suspended indefinitely last week, with four global matches in the 2020 Six Nations Championship postponed because of the spread of COVID-19.
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ROBBIE WILLIAMS has quarantined himself in a separate Californian mansion to his wife Ayda Field. "Hello, folks. Field, 40, and the couple's four children are "social distancing" at their Malibu estate for two weeks.
Last week, Henry issued a provincial health officer order cancelling all gatherings of more than 250 people.
That move comes after the District of West Vancouver closed down most of its recreation facilities to the public over the weekend and Capilano University announced it is suspending classes.
She also announced three deaths over the weekend, bringing Canada's total fatality count to four.
She also said casinos would be ordered to close.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday Canada would be closing its borders to all foreigners and denying entry to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with the exception of United States citizens. "This is what we need to do to keep people in our community safe, to keep our families safe and to stop this virus from having the impact that we've seen in many other countries around the world", Henry said. But the ban exempted visitors from the U.S.
Henry emphasized that anyone coming to B.C. from outside Canada must self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
Meanwhile, both Dix and Henry expressed their concern that the federal government has stopped short of banning USA citizens from entering Canada.
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
17 Mars 2020
