Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in BC bringing the total to 231. Dr. Bonnie Henry says most are at home in self isolation and there have been no additional deaths. But Henry says it's extremely important that people and businesses follow social distancing rules aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. She says legal orders are a measure of last resort but people are expected to follow voluntary recommendations to stay a safe distance away from each other.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal government is going to provide $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses to help them get through the economic crisis sparked by the COVID-19 outbreak. There will also be $55 billion to help Canadians meet liquidity needs through tax deferrals. There will be an emergency care benefit for those for those who fall ill, need to self-isolate or have to take care of family member with COVID-19 but fail to qualify for employment insurance. There will be an emergency support benefit for those who lose their jobs and don't qualify f

The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump made that announcement Wednesday on Twitter as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.Trump says the decision will not affect the flow of trade between the countries.Trump writes that ``We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic.'' Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also maintain their vital economic relationship.Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its

British Columbia is confirming another three deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic and another 83 cases of the novel coronavirus. BC's total number of cases is now 186. The province is declaring a public health emergency. Alberta and Ontario made similar declarations earlier today.

US President Donald Trump says discussions are ongoing with Canada about keeping the border open between the two countries. Trump says the U-S is working very closely with Canada and is calling the relationship between the two countries ``outstanding.'' The opposition parties are criticizing the Trudeau government for its decision yesterday to keep letting Americans into Canada even though it has closed the border to most other foreign nationals. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the government is urgently reviewing the issue.

Health officials in Ontario are confirming the province's first death in a patient with COVID-19.A spokesman for the province's health minister says the 77 year old man in the Muskoka region was not a confirmed case, but the illness was discovered after his death.The exact cause of his death is still under investigation.It's the first Canadian fatality outside British Columbia linked to the novel coronavirus.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The state of emergency prohibits organized public events of 50 or more people in Ontario until March 31.Effective immediately, all public libraries, private schools, licensed child daycares, theatres, cinemas and other public venues in the province must close.All bars and restaurants must close except to provide takeout food and delivery.Essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies will continue to operate.

Canada is now denying entry to nearly everyone who isn't a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but Americans are exempt from that ban.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the level of integration between Canada and the United States is behind that decision. But he says there's more work to be done in the coming days to ensure Canadians are being kept safe and that the necessary goods keep flowing. Trudeau says Canada and the U.S. are co-ordinating closely.

The annual Vancouver Vaisakhi parade has been cancelled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.The parade was scheduled to happen on April 18, 2020.Each year this celebration draws over 150,000 spectators.It’s the first time in the event’s 41 year history that it’s been cancelled.Organizers said they look forward to everyone’s participation and enjoyment in next year’s parade.