Coronavirus (COVID-19) Local News

For many school districts, Friday was the last day before spring break, a two-week hiatus from classes that gives health officials time to consider whether to keep schools open.

The suspension of Parliament, billions of dollars in extra federal spending, and recommendations against leaving the country were among extraordinary steps public and private sector organizations took Friday to try to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canada-Trinidad and Tobago soccer games March 27 and March 31 at Westhills Stadium have become the first COVID-19 casualties of a heavy spring and summer of scheduled international sporting events on the Island.

Those who are symptom-free don’t have to be tested for COVID-19, even if they have travelled abroad, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry said Friday, in announcing 11 new cases of the virus, for a total of 64 cases.

The University of Victoria is moving away from face-to-face instruction for the rest of the term, asking instructors to find other ways to conduct classes and evaluate students.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama will reschedule her upcoming event in Victoria, which was set for March 31 at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. The move was made after B.C.

The start of the cruise-ship season has been officially postponed to July 1 because of concern about the COVID-19 virus. Transport Canada said the deferral applies to all cruise ships that have a capacity to carry more than 500 passengers and crew.

People desperate for a meal and a place to sleep are focused on daily survival, not whether they might have contracted the novel coronavirus, says Grant McKenzie of Our Place Society, which runs a drop-in centre for people who are homeless “They’re r

If you are sick, the first thing you need to do is stay home, away from others, says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Are you ill? Stay home and away from others, health officials advise.