Coronavirus (COVID-19) Local News

A new financial-assistance package for Canadians losing income because of COVID-19 doesn’t address the needs of those who will suffer most from the financial fallout, says an anti-poverty advocate.

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The COVID-19 outbreak has forced the cancellation of the Island Farms Victoria Day Parade — an event that, until now, has run every year for 122 years, making it the longest-running annual parade in Canada.

To deal with COVID-19 fallout the City of Victoria is considering wide-ranging moves to assist the homeless, renters, businesses and taxpayers.

Referral-only clinics to screen for COVID-19 have opened in Nanaimo, Port Alberni and the Cowichan Valley. The clinics will serve only those who have been referred by a primary-care provider or an 811 nurse.

A student at the University of Victoria has tested positive for COVID-19, the university’s first confirmed case of the virus.

B.C. Ferries says it is suspending all food services on board ships and in its terminals, with the exception of northern routes, which will have limited offerings.

Reduced hours, designated shopping hours for seniors and perhaps a new wrinkle to delivery are on the menu for Greater Victoria’s grocery stores, which have seen a crush of customers amid concern about COVID-19.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 40 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 271.

B.C. Transit has stopped collecting fares and is loading passengers through rear doors as it works to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The measures will be in place for 30 days.