B.C.’s top doctor has ordered that all restaurants across the province must close its doors to dine-in guests and move to only take-out or delivery services until further notice.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the order during the daily health briefing on Friday, March 20, as health officials confirmed 77 new COVID-19 cases in the province, bringing the total number of cases to 348.
This is Henry’s third order since declaring the novel coronavirus pandemic a public health emergency earlier this week. Earlier this month she banned large events with more than 50 attendees. This week she order that all bars and nightclubs shut down.
JUST IN: 77 new #COVID19 cases in B.C., total of 348 people infected.
– 200 in VCH
– 95 in FHA
– 30 in VIA
– 19 in IHA
– 4 in NHA
22 have been hospitalized with 10 in ICU. 6 have now recovered.— Ashley Wadhwani (@ashwadhwani) March 20, 2020
Liquor stores in the province, meanwhile, are adjusting their hours but will remain open. The government says hours are changing at BC Liquor Stores so that staff can do additional cleaning to minimize the risk to employees and customers from COVID-19.
When necessary, the number of customers allowed in stores will also be limited to maintain self-distancing.
The government says there are no shortages of beer, wine or spirits but the stores have not been able to keep shelves stocked because of an increase in sales.
@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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