The latest from Surrey, White Rock and beyond on the COVID-19 pandemic for Friday, March 20. This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
• Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has announced 77 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases in the province so far to 348. At a press conference Friday afternoon, Henry also ordered that all restaurants must move to a take-out or delivery only.
Minister of Health Adrian Dix thanked frontline health-care staff, describing them as “critical to beating this virus.”
“We are making headway against this threat, but we are far from prevailing,” Dix said.
“These next two weeks are absolutely critical. This is our chance to flatten the curve… and limit the scope of the virus in B.C.”
• Images of people walking around with medical-style face masks have fed a black market for them, but the sudden popularity hasn’t helped public health in the COVID-19 pandemic, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer says.
• Cloverdale Chamber director Scott Wheatley has created an ‘Open for business’ Facebook page, “to communicate to people that some businesses are still open.”
• Shoppers who hoarded items such as toilet paper and paper towels due to the COVID-19 pandemic won’t have any luck returning them to Costco.
• A Surrey resident says he was “stunned” when he saw volleyball players sharing water from the same jug during a game break at Newton Athletic Park this week.
• White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker says the city is not ready to close its popular pier and promenade – yet.
• Business owners are finding creative ways to operate during the pandemic.
• Part of the residual impact of the global COVID-19 outbreak has been shockingly low prices at the pump.
• As the U.S.-Canada border prepares to close to all people except essential travellers, irregular migrants who try to cross the border will also be denied entry.
• White Rock Council has decided to cancel all of the city’s committee meetings until the end of May, as part of actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• An idea that was originally spawned to help fellow members of the Bayside Rugby Club has morphed into a effort aimed to assist the entire community during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Due to increased demand and lack of supply, a South Surrey whisky distillery has started giving away free surface cleaner to people in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A South Surrey in-home pet care operator is offering free dog-walking services for all essential service and emergency personnel in White Rock, South Surrey, Ocean Park and Crescent during the pandemic. Paula Boos said those who would like to take her up on the offer may reach her at auntypetcare@gmail.com
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