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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Local News

Restart plan: Hair, nail and waxing will feel a little different

Restart plan: Hair, nail and waxing will feel a little different

Personal-service establishments — including hair, nail and waxing salons and barbershops — will be able to open around mid-May if they have an approved plan detailing how they will safely operate.
B.C.’s plan to open back up starting in mid-May

B.C.’s plan to open back up starting in mid-May

A four-part “restart plan” will roll out over the next few weeks, easing pandemic restrictions on the economic, social, educational and recreational lives of British Columbians. “It won’t be the flipping of a switch,” said Premier John Horgan.
Les Leyne: They are called ‘at risk’ for good reason

Les Leyne: They are called ‘at risk’ for good reason

Another good reason to get out and bang your pots and pans at 7 p.m. was presented in a health briefing this week. Twenty-one per cent of the COVID-19 cases in B.C. — 428 people — are in the broad category of health care workers.
Adrian Raeside cartoon: Shaking things up

Adrian Raeside cartoon: Shaking things up

Comment: Hard decisions, huge customer support at Westcoast Appliance Gallery

Comment: Hard decisions, huge customer support at Westcoast Appliance Gallery

Part of our continuing series on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses and organizations. A commentary by the two managing partners at Westcoast Appliance Gallery, where Fred Aram is also CEO and Byron Loucks is president.
Pandemic likely to spark surge of scams, says Better Business Bureau

Pandemic likely to spark surge of scams, says Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island is bracing for a rise in loan scams, as financial pressures mount amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
International-student enrolment plunges, teachers facing layoffs

International-student enrolment plunges, teachers facing layoffs

International student enrolment has nose-dived due to the global pandemic and public school teachers are facing layoffs as school districts across the region scramble to offset millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Alert Bay state of emergency could be lifted if virus cases remain low

Alert Bay state of emergency could be lifted if virus cases remain low

A local state of emergency in Alert Bay could be lifted as early as Friday if the number of new cases of COVID-19 remains low, says Dr. Dan Cutfeet of the ‘Namgis Health Centre.
Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre readied for use as emergency housing

Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre readied for use as emergency housing

Avery Taylor never dreamed he’d be setting up emergency housing in a hockey arena. “It’s pretty exciting to take over a hockey rink,” said Taylor, senior manager of housing and support services for the PHS Community Services Society.
‘Hold the line’ even if restrictions ease, Dr. Bonnie Henry advises

‘Hold the line’ even if restrictions ease, Dr. Bonnie Henry advises

Families should hold off setting up playdates or doubling their social bubbles too quickly, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said on the eve of the premier’s announcement about easing of COVID-19 restrictions in B.C.