B.C. residents advised not to travel outside Canada; large gatherings not recommended

There has been another increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in B.C.

The provincial health officer says seven people on the south coast have been identified in the past 24 hours.

That brings the total in B.C. to 53 since the beginning of the outbreak.

All of the new cases are in the Vancouver area.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says another long-term care home on the Lower Mainland, Hollyburn House, has been identified as a potential outbreak location as one resident and two health care workers tested positive.

Four others were travel-related and one is a community case.

Henry says they are also advising residents not to travel outside Canada, including to the United States.

“We are recommending against all non-essential travel outside of Canada, including to the United States. Effective today, anyone who chooses to travel outside of Canada will be asked to stay away from work or school for 14 days upon their return. We know that this is a voluntary measure, but it is our expectation that people will follow this direction as part of their civic duty,” said Henry.

The province is also recommending the cancellation of gatherings of more than 250 people and is urging employers to try and give employees more space and the opportunity to work from home.

At this time, there is no recommendation or plan to close schools.