B.C. announces 77 new COVID-19 cases; restaurants ordered to have delivery or take out only

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in B.C. has grown by 77 for a total of 348 since the outbreak first hit the province.

There are now 19 in the Interior Health region.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said 10 are in Intensive Care Units in the province and six have fully recovered.

The Dufferin Care Centre in Coquitlam has been tagged as an outbreak site after one of the workers tested positive. She added that two dozen health care workers in B.C. have had the virus, but all have been mild cases.

Dr. Henry said it has become apparent that dining in restaurants is not working as far as keeping social distance, so she is ordering all restaurants in B.C. to switch to take out or delivery only.

She said it is still important for people to not stay inside all the time if they are able to get outside for walks and bike rides in small groups.

Health Minister Adrian Dix thanked all the health care workers and said the government is doing everything it can to make sure they have the equipment to do their jobs safely and properly.

Hospital acute care capacity in B.C. is at 78.5 percent

For specific information on the virus, call 1-888-COVID19 and the self test is available at covid-19.bccdc.ca .