Victoria Viewpoints: Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Tuesday, March 31, 2020


Coronavirus response in BC
                   
Ontario, BC, Quebec begin building makeshift hospitals in preparation for rise in VOVID-19 patients
BC health officer takes over nursing-home staffing as coronavirus spreads
BC School's reopen to offer child care for essential workers' children
BC Premier John Horgan extends state of emergency, encourages British Columbians to 're-commit' to fight against COVID-19
5 new COVID-19 deaths in BC, restrictions to last until 'at least the summer': officials
'Stay home': BC man's plea after mother, stepfather die of COVID-19 hours apart
BC hotel chain finds way to help healthcare workers who want to self-isolate
Canada urged to make air transport an essential service for Inuit, North
BC startup launches app to help swamped health-care workers outside of work
COVID-19 outbreak investigated at West Kelowna plant nursery
Vancouver police officer tests positive for COVID-19
Your rent is due. What help is available for tenants across Canada
28 US Spring breakers test positive for COVID-19 after Mexico trip
BC to match essential workers to childcare sports amid COVID-19
Should you wear a face mask? Coronavirus prompts debate over effectiveness
Official Silence on COVID-19 case in downtown east side fuelling fears
Skagit Valley Chorale tragedy offers stark lesson in the need for social distancing
Open letter from DTES frontline workers to Horgan, Dix, Henry, Daly, Stewart, and Darcy - we need more, now
BC health officials respond to questions of how long pandemic measures will remain in place
Health SWAT team at Langley Lodge after COVID-19 case confirmed
Horgan announces public-private partnership to supply health care centres
Inside the testing clinic, doctors and nurses are busy - and worried
Number of seniors' care homes in BC with positive COVID-19 cases jumps from 13 overnight
Local hospital bed, ventilator availabilities unclear
Why Coal Harbour, Roundhouse community centres opened for homeless during pandemic
Downtown Eastside charity sews hundreds of masks for frontline workers
Death of North Van dentist who attended conference confirmed as COVID caused
Ottawa to spend $2b on protective gear to share with provinces
Deferring rent not sustainable over the long term for small businesses hit hard by COVID-19 
Premier John Horgan urges British Columbians to 'do your part' on COVID-19
Shut down by coronavirus, this Surrey riding ranch is back in the saddle - online
City of Victoria allows camping in parks so homeless can physically distance
'Everybody is susceptible': Why younger Canadians may be helping fuel the spread of COVID-19
'I felt a tiny bit invincible until I got this': Vancouver ER doctor with COVID-10 shares his story
'All gatherings are off the table' in BC, but no new bans on the way, top doctor says
New West renter fears COVID-19 risks as manager insists on showing apartment
'Zero chance' of orders being lifted before May, as COVID-19 cases in BC surpass 1,000
Health Authority investigates COVID-19 outbreak among temporary foreign workers in West Kelowna
Five deaths as 43 new cases reported in BC
Dr. Henry gets patience tested by second guessing medical officials
'Best case scenario': COVID-19 measures expected to last until July, government document says
Should all BC residents wear masks in public? Health officials say no
Premier John Horgan extends BC's state of emergency in online address
Calls to domestic-violence crisis line surge, transition homes work to make more space
Daily stories of hope and despair amid this crisis
BC records five new COVID-19 deaths, 'zero chance' life will return to normal in April
Victoria to reassess 2020 budget in light of COVID-19; more hotel rooms found for the homeless
Tents, sleeping bags donated to Our Place from local Victoria store
John Horgan extends BC's state of emergency for COVID-19
COVID-19 essential workers can apply for BC pre-school child care
New rules issued for BC construction projects, work camps for COVID-19




Globe and Mail 

BC Terminal operator GCT asks Ottawa to support its port expansion plans

CBC





Vancouver Sun

Court evicts corporate squatters  from Okanagan Indian Band land - after 26 years


Vancouver Province

--


Victoria Times Colonist

Schooling plan looks like an exercise in chaos

Victoria News




Global BC

--

Georgia Straight




Vancouver Courier

Buyers can't get out of home purchase contracts because of  COVID-19
School superintendent's interaction with journalist has minister's attention'


The Tyee

--


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Tuesday,  March 31, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canadian canola seed exports to China still facing obstacles, industry says


The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario, BC, Quebec begin building makeshift hospitals in preparation for rise in VOVID-19 patients
With millions living in war zones and few resources, the coronavirus is a catastrophe in the making
As coronavirus spreads into shantytowns, Africa faces tough new test
Bobcaygeon nursing home reports three more deaths amid COVID-19 outbreak
No more incremental measures. We need to enact tomorrow's policies today
In the face of coronavirus - and his own vanity - Donald Trump blinks
Wear a face mask if you feel it's necessary, but know it won't necessarily help
Ottawa to spend $2-billion on medical gear as Canadian industry retools to battle COVID-19
Stuck to self-isolation, these Canadians are using their skills to make medical supplies
COVID-19 kills Alberta man in his 30s as officials warn that young people are not immune
Memo to the rest of Canada: How Dr. Bonnie Henry and BC are getting it right by laying all their cards on the table
BC health officer takes over nursing-home staffing as coronavirus spreads
Save Grandma or save the economy? It depends
COVID-19 disruptions could send many Canadian households into a financial tailspin
BC School's reopen to offer child care for essential workers' children
Bill Blair asks prison, parole heads to consider releasing some inmates to stop spread of COVID-19
'We are all in this together': Will Trudeau's actions match his words?
Made in Canada ventilators, masks, test kits coming soon: Trudeau
6 flights set to repatriate Canadians stuck in India due to COVID-19
Some health experts questioning advice against wider use of masks to slow spread of COVID-19
Courts scramble to modernize to keep the system working in a pandemic
Partisan divisions on COVID-19 exist in Candaa but they're deeper - and more dangerous - in the US
Manitoba First Nations ask defence minister to set up military hospital
Experts study how coronavirus pandemic affects trust in officials, ourselves
Six Toronto long-term-care homes report COVID-19 outbreaks
Food prices set to rise amid COVID-19 crisis
Disobeying the COVID-19 emergency law could cost you $100,000 and one year in jail
Ottawa eyes low-interest lines of credit for households battered by COVID-19
Can you remember what life was like just a month ago?
Justin Trudeau should tell us how much his coronavirus response will cost - or we'll all pay a price
Donald Trump should take a lesson from Justin Trudeau - and even Doug Ford - on coronavirus leadership
Poetry of a pandemic: Toronto's poet laureate explains how he approached writing about COVID-19 crisis
Ontario schools will remain closed until at least May 14. But kids can expect marks
Trudeau government races for COVID-19 supplies as Quebec warns of shortage within days
COVID-19 crisis triggers cancellation of Pride parade: Tory
Are some of us expendable during COVID-19?
Ontario schools to remain closed until at least May
Toronto cops test positive for COVID-19
No excuses for COVID-19 failures
With COVID-19 testing criteria restricted in Canada, can we be sure we are flattening the curve?
COVID-19 could be a get out of jail card for Canada's low risk prisoners
Canadian nurses treating COVID-19 patients cite unsafe-work laws to demand N95 masks
How bad is COVID-19 in your area? University students launch heat map to track virus across Canada
'We are in dire need' Toronto nurse sends public video plea for supplies from inside a COVID-19 unit
Lines of urns in Wuhan prompt questions about the veracity of China's COVID-19 death toll
'Best case scenario': COVID-19 measures expected to last until July, government document says
US cities are better at social distancing than Canadian ones, data show
Canadians are telling their governments - do whatever it takes to make it right
BC Premier John Horgan extends state of emergency, encourages British Columbians to 're-commit' to fight against COVID-19
5 new COVID-19 deaths in BC, restrictions to last until 'at least the summer': officials
'Stay home': BC man's plea after mother, stepfather die of COVID-19 hours apart
BC hotel chain finds way to help healthcare workers who want to self-isolate
Canada urged to make air transport an essential service for Inuit, North
BC startup launches app to help swamped health-care workers outside of work
Coronavirus outbreak is the world's worst crisis since Second World War: UN chief
COVID-19 outbreak investigated at West Kelowna plant nursery
Vancouver police officer tests positive for COVID-19
Your rent is due. What help is available for tenants across Canada
28 US Spring breakers test positive for COVID-19 after Mexico trip
BC to match essential workers to childcare sports amid COVID-19
Should you wear a face mask? Coronavirus prompts debate over effectiveness
Head of Ontario registered nurses union says 9M masks per week are needed
Manitoba First nations want military help with coronavirus preparations
Quebec coronavirus cases soar past 4,000 as medical equipment shortage looms
Experts predict innovation in medicine, education, remote work spurred on by coronavirus pandemic
New China Data Undercuts Reassurances by our Health Officials
Official Silence on COVID-19 case in downtown east side fuelling fears
Skagit Valley Chorale tragedy offers stark lesson in the need for social distancing
Open letter from DTES frontline workers to Horgan, Dix, Henry, Daly, Stewart, and Darcy - we need more, now
BC health officials respond to questions of how long pandemic measures will remain in place
Health SWAT team at Langley Lodge after COVID-19 case confirmed
Horgan announces public-private partnership to supply health care centres
Inside the testing clinic, doctors and nurses are busy - and worried
Number of seniors' care homes in BC with positive COVID-19 cases jumps from 13 overnight
Local hospital bed, ventilator availabilities unclear
Why Coal Harbour, Roundhouse community centres opened for homeless during pandemic
Downtown Eastside charity sews hundreds of masks for frontline workers
Death of North Van dentist who attended conference confirmed as COVID caused
Ottawa to spend $2b on protective gear to share with provinces





Globe and Mail

They're World War deficit levels, but not the biggest or the baddest yet
Aid package for energy, airlines and tourism sectors still a work in progress
Truck drivers are being denied basic necessities as they deliver essentials in this pandemic
No, Jason Kenney, Donald Trump won't save Alberta's oil industry
An Air Canada bailout should stick in the craw of Canadian taxpayers
From academic to politician: How Jean-Yves Duclos is learning crisis management on the fly
No 'excuse' for Iran black box delay, say Ralph Goodale, new plane crash adviser
Canada's economy was slowing down before COVID-19 hit, January GDP numbers show



CBC

Revised NAFTA will not take effect on June 1, as Trump had hoped
US has dropped idea of placing troops near Canadian border: official
6 flights set to repatriate Canadians stuck in India due to COVID-19
Ralph Goodale appointed special advisor for Canada's response to shot down Iran flight

Toronto Star

COVID-19 could mark the end of Toronto's Airbnb era, and good riddance. Here's how to keep it that way






Toronto Sun

Tenants losing sleep over rent payments
Trudeau refuses to scarp carbon tax hike during COVID-19 crisis






National Post

Power to raise taxes at will in COVID-19 aid bill was whip Morneau wanted to have against banks source


Maclean's





Global

BC says there will be consequences for people who can afford rent but skip it

Miscellaneous

The pipeline and the Pandemic: 'The biggest risk we've got right now'
Save the Cruise Industry? Some say let it sink

A Stay the Course COVID speech for British Columbians from Premier Horgan

British Columbia Premier John Horgan speaking Tuesday night in a
province wide address on the COVID-19 situation

Premier John Horgan spoke to the province for six and half minutes on Tuesday evening, relaying the steps taken so far as British Columbia has ramped up its measures incrementally since nine weeks ago and the first arrival of the COVID-19 virus, with the Premier making note of the many efforts towards the challenges of the virus and the impact it has had to this point across the province.

Observing that it is what we do today that will make the difference in the bid to flatten the curve, he offered thanks to those that have taken the steps asked of them, and shared his thoughts for those that have lost loved ones in the last month and half to the virus.

"There are more challenges ahead and that's why the next fourteen days are so important, what we do today will affect what our doctors, nurses and first responders face in the days and weeks ahead, it will determine how many of us remain healthy and how much we can do to flatten the curve ... there are early signs that our actions are making a difference, but we can't stop now. We need everyone to follow the directions of the Provincial Health Office Dr. Bonnie Henry"

The address, retraced many of the themes of the response, the need for social distancing, to stay at home as much as possible and the frequent need to wash our hands and to take these measures seriously and to obey the law.

Mr. Horgan expressed his gratitude to all of those who are working to keep British Columbia in motion in the midst of the crisis, the health care workers, first responders, those working in transportation and retail grocery stores keeping the supply chain of the province alive.

The Premier reassured residents that the provincial plan will continue to address any issues that come up as part of the health emergency, as well as to highlight the partnerships in supply for much needed medical and sanitary items.

The final portion of the address, reviewed many of the programs now in place to assist British Columbians and hailed the unprecedented cooperation that has been found across Canada to take on the COVID-19 challenge.

The final note relayed the news that the Province will extend the Provincial State of Emergency, though going further towards a full scale lockdown of the province and its communities, as some had anticipated for tonight,  still does not seem to be part of the Province's plan to date.

The Premier did note that what he and we have seen from around the world is unsettling and scary,

But Mr. Horgan also offered hope that the steps being taken in this province will help carry British Columbians through the crisis thanks to the strength of the people and their communities.

"We are in this together, people from every corner of the province, in every region. Tonight I'm asking you to re-commit,  re-commit to our health care workers and to each other. Do your part, stay home, stay safe and we'll bend this curve together"

You can review the full speech below:




You can retrace many of the steps taken to date in the province from our archive page here.

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update notes: Our new reality lasts towards June and maybe beyond

"I do think that it's more and more, less likely that we're going to be able to get back to full normal life, which  I miss a lot,  before at least the summer. And then we need to start preparing ourselves  for the potential of a second wave in the fall . In the meantime we need to put every possible effort into development of a vaccine" -- Dr. Bonnie Henry in her Tuesday COVID-19 briefing

British Columbia has crossed over the 1,000 mark in reported cases of COVID-19, as Tuesday's update from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided a review of the last 24 hours for residents of the province.

“We are announcing 43 new cases, for a total of 1,013 cases in British Columbia.

Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 476 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 348 are in the Fraser Health region, 67 are in the Island Health region, 107 are in the Interior Health region and 15 are in the Northern Heath region.

It is with sadness that we report five deaths in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions in the last 24 hours, for a total of 24 COVID-19 related deaths in British Columbia."

They both noted as to the important point that British Columbia is at in the response to the COVID-19 virus, with the residents of British Columbia once again urged to stay the course with the measures in place.

“We are at a critical juncture in our provincial COVID-19 response. Every British Columbian has a part to play to flatten the curve. We must all do the right thing and be 100% committed. “No one is immune, but everyone can make a difference. If you are older, staying home keeps you away from those who could put you at risk. If you are young, staying apart means you are preserving important capacity within our health-care system for our elders and others at highest risk."

In the follow up Question and Answer period, the main theme was to note that the path towards responding to the virus will be a long one.

With Dr. Henry and Mr. Dix observing that life as we may consider to have been normal prior to March, most likely won't be returning until the summer at least, with a warning that Round Two of COVID-19 could be back as early as the fall.

"Realistically and I've said this before, we are going to be in some form of having to monitor and prevent transmission of this virus, until we have a vaccine; or until enough of the population is immune to it that it's no longer infecting people .... When we get through this wave, which will likely be in another few weeks, it may be into May for sure. We need to start thinking about what does it looks like again if we're seeing importations again, if we're seeing clusters and cases being transferred in the community"  -- Dr. Bonnie Henry

For now the focus should be on the present, the one day at a time approach that best delivers the best measurement as to how British Columbia is faring in the face of COVID-19

You can review the full statement from Tuesday here.

The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

MLA Rice taking local lead on response for housing issues for homeless

In a short post to her Facebook feed this afternoon, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has outlined that finding a solution towards the issues of the homeless at this time has become one of her top priorities.

City Hall has offered up little towards the topic for the most part of late, and Mayor Lee Brain last week further directed any more community discussion on a range of issues to the MLA's  office.

As well, even if they were inclined to share a few thoughts on the situation, any opportunity for Council to engage in a dialogue, won't be part of any public discussion for the near term, with Council having cancelled their next public session yesterday.

Ms. Rice, notes that in recent days there have been many people in the community raising their concerns for the city's most vulnerable residents with her;  in her update she highlights that she is currently working with the local North Coast Transition Society, BC Housing and the Minister of Housing Selina Robinson towards some solutions.

The North Coast Transition Society has become Prince Rupert's front line responders for the homeless in recent years; operating a number of supportive and shelter housing in the community and they continue to be among the strongest advocates in the city for those in the most need.

The immediate concern is the need for the homeless to physically separate and self isolate if required.

The current homeless shelter, which was already a cramped location at the best of times, is not capable of providing for the requirements during the COVID-19 situation at this time, the post of today does not indicate as to when any announcement may be forthcoming towards a measure to address come of the concerns at the moment.

For more notes on the work of the MLA at the Legislature see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Allegations on Nisga'a Governance found to be without merit by Independent Investigator

A situation which evolved in May of 2019 in the Nass Valley has now been apparently been resolved, after an Independent investigation of allegations against the Nisga'a Lisims Government determined that there was no merit to the themes presented in an email from the then IT manager which had been addressed to over 150 people.

According to the relay of information today, the Email at the time was not authorized by the Nisga'a Lisims Government and had contained allegations of serious misconduct against current and former elected representatives of the Nisg̱a’a Nation, current and former officers, employees of NLG and its consultants, service providers, external legal counsel and others.

At the time the Nisga'a Lisims Government took immediate steps to reduce potential harm by asking all NLG employees to delete the Email and not to share it.

The NLG also obtained an interlocutory injunction restraining the Information Technology Manager from any further distribution and terminated his employment.

The Independent Investigator released a 27 page report, which was reviewed by a Special Committee, following its presentation the report has now been accepted by the Nisga'a Lisims Executive.

Among the findings of the report were:

1) “Almost all of the Allegations are an unreliable combination of fact assumption, inference and rumour” which are “mistaken beliefs” of which the Investigator sought to limit both “spread and acceptance.”

 2) While mistaken, many of the Allegations serve to highlight concerns that the Independent Investigator addressed in his recommendations. These recommendations have been adopted by the Executive.

 3) Problems with NEST reporting stem “largely” from different accounting standards. NLG never faced a potential liability for any amount.

 4) The fisheries payment referenced in the Email was exactly the same as made to other fishermen, just not through Canfisco. The payment was “documented in NLG’S books” and is “the same amount available to other fishermen.”

 5) The former Information Technology Manager “did not act in good faith [or] for legitimate purposes”, made reckless inferences and assumptions, and relied on rumour and innuendo.

 6) There was collusion only to the extent that the former Information Technology Manager was “implicitly encouraged” to express allegations that were based on inaccurate, incomplete or unreliable evidence. There was no collusion in the personal insults, innuendo or scurrilous rumours contained in the Email.'

The  situation was described as one hurtful to the community, in a statement issued today by Juanita Parnell, the elected Urban Representative and Chair of the Special Committee.

“This entire incident was personally hurtful to many people and caused considerable distress and strain on NLG, elected representatives, officers, employees, and some of our consultants, and indeed their families. We are pleased that this thorough and independent investigation has determined that the many allegations made had no basis in fact. 

The Executive recognized, however, that some of the information provided did raise questions and concerns about certain administrative procedures. The independent investigator considered these issues and has made recommendations for correction which we have adopted. This unfortunate incident is now behind us. We can again focus on the important work we need to do to build the future for the Nisg̱a’a people”

As noted above, the report identifies questions on administrative procedures, though the corrective measures were not outlined as part of today's information release, to this point the Nisga'a Lisims Government has provided for any online copy of the full report for review.

You can review the statement here.

For more notes on the Nisga'a Lisims Government see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Victoria Viewpoints: Monday March 30, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Monday March 30, 2020


Coronavirus response in BC
                   

BC's government has given itself powers over its food supply chain. That's a big mistake                    
BC confirms 86 new coronavirus cases and 2 new deaths, number in hospital tops 100
Temporary free parking at BC hospitals due to COVID-19 crisis
BC doctor warns of deadly 'double whammy' if coronavirus persists into wildfire season
City of Kelowna preparing to slash 2020 budget amid coronavirus pandemic
BC truck drivers struggle to find open restaurants due to COVID-19 pandemic
Wage subsidies may not be enough to reverse Okanagan, BC layoffs
Canadian restaurant chain starts selling groceries amid coronavirus shutdown
Vancouver Convention Centre to be converted to makeshift hospital
Used masks in Interior Health to be sterilized, stored as emergency backup
Hospitality union offers help as hotels considered as makeshift hospitals
One will live, one will die: How Canada is preparing for tough coronavirus choices
Rise in new coronavirus cases in China solely due to infections from overseas
What BC got Wrong - and Right - COVID-19 Aid
Working a Pandemic:  Stories of Anxiety, Uncertainty, Poverty and Kindness
Dr. Bonnie Henry responds to criticism about undertesting as offsite centres prepared
If you want to clean your smartphone during the pandemic, here's how
More than 460 people in BC recover from COVID-19
Burnaby residents claim no social distancing in Trans Mountain construction
Citing unprecedented impact of COVID-19, Air Canada to lay off 15,000 staff
Downtown Vancouver residents make a lot of noise for health care workers
Dix announces free parking at BC hospitals
86 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC, 2 additional deaths
BC supermarkets don't need to follow 50 person COVID-19 rule
Some Criminals may get out of BC jails early due to COVID-19
ER doc says it's 'scary' sending home people with symptoms
Vancouver London Drugs cleared to re-open after employee COVID-29 diagnosis
Alternatives to toilet paper that are mostly not gross
In the time of Coronavirus , Vancouver Islands' gardeners grow resilient
BC businesses closed by coronavirus crisis say government needs to help with rent
Vancouver Convention Centre to become makeshift hospital during COVOD-19 pandemic
Hospital parking free to the public, health-care workers across BC starting April 1
7 warnings issued in Surrey for ignoring COVID-19 public health orders
BC confirms 1st at home coronavirus death, as cases rise to 970
BC dentist died from COVID-19, family confirms
Vancouver makes metered parking free during COVID-19 outbreak
ER doctor says BC not testing enough for COVID-19, provincial health officer disagrees
Two more deaths and 86 new cases in British Columbia
Tensions rising in crowded BC jails
Vancouver Convention Centre to be repurposed into emergency hospital
BC businesses in survival mode waiting for federal relief to arrive
Robson Street shops boarding up in wake of increased break-ins
BC hotels prepare for influx of hospital workers during pandemic
Woman comes home to 'entirely different' Victoria after cruise ship, military base quarantine
BC records first at-home death from COVID-19, but 70+ hospital patients have recovered
Victoria moves homeless into 35 hotel rooms across the city
BC Ferries able to restrict travel for sick passengers
'Back to school, in a virtual way' for BC students in COVID-19 pandemic
Pay Parking suspended at BC hospitals due to COVID-19
LifeLabs reducing public hours as it assists with COVID-19 testing




Globe and Mail 




CBC

Hospitality worker's union says 90% of members have lost their jobs in past 2 weeks



Vancouver Sun

Dix's 'toughest' decision sets back wait-list progress by years
BC men convicted in Human trafficking case denied bail despite COVID-19 concerns




Vancouver Province

--


Victoria Times Colonist




Victoria News




Global BC

--

Georgia Straight




Vancouver Courier



The Tyee

--


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Monday, March 30, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Monday,  March 30, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

BC Judge considers how to deliver Meng Wanzhou decision in a physically distant way


The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario promises to probe 'tragic' situation at Bobcaygeon, Ontario nursing home; at least 25 other facilities have COVID-19 cases
Why Quebec's coronavirus cases have skyrocketed
Trudeau says Canadian military ready to support provinces in fighting coronavirus
As Passover, Easter and Ramadan services are cancelled amid COVID-19, preachers wonder: Where is God in  all this
Emergency legislation bolsters Ottawa's ability to buy troubled assets of companies in order to stabilize economy
Air Canada temporarily lays off more than 16,000 as pandemic takes toll on air travel                          Trudeau says business, non-profits, charities all eligible for wage subsidy                                              BC's government has given itself powers over its food supply chain. That's a big mistake                      Japan extends travel warning to 49 countries, including U.S. and Britain                                                Prince Charles out of self-isolation after seven days                                                                                As pandemic batters corporate cash flows, which companies will be forced to slash their dividends?    The COVID-19 pandemic will create winners and losers                                                                        Canadian military assembles 'rapid reaction' teams to help with pandemic response                            All businesses seeing 40% drop in revenue due to pandemic will be eligible for 75% wage subsidies: Trudeau                                                                                                                                             
Keeping the faith during the COVID-19 pandemic - by praying at home and staying connected online
Top public health officer says coming week a crucial period in COVID-19 struggle
Suspected, confirmed COVID-19 patients filling roughly 1 in 4 Ontario ICU beds
Why Germany's low COVID-19 death rate might be a mirage
Ontario's rate of COVID-19 testing is lower than other big provinces, slowing our ability to get a clear sense of virus spread
Ontario has overhauled the way it's reporting information about COVID-19, but one medical expert calls it 'very superficial'
Strained staff fear for safety, resources as virus spreads through Ontario seniors' homes
Should government's give an end date for social distancing? COVID-19 study says there's a catch
'Dreams are not passports': Remote Arctic village residents recount bizarre encounter with Quebec couple fleeing coronavirus
Doug Ford becomes the unlikely leader that his province needs
April might be COVID-19's cruelest month for self-isolating Canadians
COVID-19 heats up Canada's climate change debate
Ford says 'everything is on the table' in fight to slow COVID-19
Self-isolate if you're over 70, Ontario's top doctor says
Justin Trudeau promises to pay 75 per cent of wages for hundreds of thousands of Canadians
Canada's military gathering resources to help civilian authorities grapple with COVID-19
Del Duca urges Ford to help long-term care workers , fast-track foreign trained health professions
Toronto Public Health hit by eight COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 shows the terrible cost of ignoring history
Landlords say they're not the enemy
Bobcaygen residents fear more COVID-19 deaths
Canada can't move forward without widespread testing
Under Trudeau Liberals, seniors have become pandemic's irrelevant
Ford warns of more emergency measures if public fails to listen
Return to near-normal depends on thin white line being able to weather the storm
Liberals cast wide net with wage-subsidy program aimed at keeping Canadians working
Official nonsense on masks, travel bans is killing Ottawa's COVID-19 credibility
Emergency COVID-19 measures enacted for Canada's seniors' homes where pandemic hits hardest
No 'greater threat' to Canada than COVID-19, military says, as 24,000 troops activated to help fight it
Nearly 100 Canadians remain on cruise ship where four died in COVID-19 outbreak
It worked in Asia. The WHO says it's crucial. But is Canada still using contract tracing?
Fear and anger on the frontlines: What happens if there aren't enough masks?
Old habits are proving dangerously hard to break
BC confirms 86 new coronavirus cases and 2 new deaths, number in hospital tops 100
Temporary free parking at BC hospitals due to COVID-19 crisis
BC doctor warns of deadly 'double whammy' if coronavirus persists into wildfire season
City of Kelowna preparing to slash 2020 budget amid coronavirus pandemic
BC truck drivers struggle to find open restaurants due to COVID-19 pandemic
Wage subsidies may not be enough to reverse Okanagan, BC layoffs
Canadian restaurant chain starts selling groceries amid coronavirus shutdown
Vancouver Convention Centre to be converted to makeshift hospital
Used masks in Interior Health to be sterilized, stored as emergency backup
Hospitality union offers help as hotels considered as makeshift hospitals
One will live, one will die: How Canada is preparing for tough coronavirus choices
Rise in new coronavirus cases in China solely due to infections from overseas
What BC got Wrong - and Right - COVID-19 Aid
Working a Pandemic:  Stories of Anxiety, Uncertainty, Poverty and Kindness
Dr. Bonnie Henry responds to criticism about undertesting as offsite centres prepared
If you want to clean your smartphone during the pandemic, here's how
More than 460 people in BC recover from COVID-19
Burnaby residents claim no social distancing in Trans Mountain construction
Citing unprecedented impact of COVID-19, Air Canada to lay off 15,000 staff
Downtown Vancouver residents make a lot of noise for health care workers
Dix announces free parking at BC hospitals
86 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC, 2 additional deaths
BC supermarkets don't need to follow 50 person COVID-19 rule
Some Criminals may get out of BC jails early due to COVID-19
ER doc says it's 'scary' sending home people with symptoms
Vancouver London Drugs cleared to re-open after employee COVID-29 diagnosis
Alternatives to toilet paper that are mostly not gross






Globe and Mail

Now is not the time to campaign for a Security Council seat, Canada's UN Ambassador says
Canada keeps up push for UN Security Council seat during COVID-19 crisis


CBC

7 potential lingering effects on COVID-19 on the economy




Toronto Star

--

Toronto Sun

MPs take a pay raise while raising the carbon tax




National Post


Maclean's





Global

--

Miscellaneous

Union of BC Indian Chiefs urges halt to Coastal GasLink pipeline work
Alberta energy war room surrenders to pandemic - for now

86 new cases of COVID-19 in BC since Saturday, 2 new cases for the Northern Health region making for a provincial total of 950

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province's Public Health Officer provided for two days of data and information today, as the two officials who are leading the provincial response to COVID-19 began another week of updates for British Columbians.

It was a review of the weekend cases that made for an increase of 86 new case files making for a provincial total of 970 to date in British Columbia.

“In the first reporting period through March 28, we had 16 new cases, for a total of 900 cases in British Columbia. “In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 70 new cases, for a total of 970 cases in British Columbia. “This represents 86 new cases since we reported on Saturday.

Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 472 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 323 are in the Fraser Health region, 67 are in the Island Health region, 94 are in the Interior Health region and 14 are in the Northern Health region."

Sadly the number of those who have passed away in British Columbia rose by two over the weekend, which brings the total of those who have died during this outbreak to 19, that included the first death in the community as a result of COVID-19 as confirmed by the BC Coroners Service.

Mr. Dix continued to outlined the preparations currently underway in the Province as British Columbians prepare to travel in an important period in the response program.

“We are at a critical juncture in our provincial COVID-19 response. We have two paths ahead: we will begin to see evidence of a flattened curve or our rates of infection will rise even more. 

Our entire government is doing everything we can to address this challenge, and we need every person in our province to do the same. Let us be united in this singular purpose: in these next two crucial weeks we must be 100% committed to flattening the curve and lessening the devastating impacts of this virus. 

While we are watching the epi-curve closely, we continue with the active readiness of our health-care system to prepare for the potential of a large spike in COVID-19 cases. “A shipment of one million surgical masks has arrived as we continue to restock our provincial personal-protection equipment supplies." 

The province has designated 19 major hospitals across the province as primary COVID-19 facilities to deliver care to the most critically ill patients. In the Northwest, the Ministry of Health has designated Terrace's Mills Memorial Hospital as this regions COVID-19 Acute Care Facility.


You can review more the Monday briefing here.

The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.