Coronavirus: Everything you need to know in Vancouver today
Each day in Canada, a lot of news regarding COVID-19 comes out nationally and locally.
Now, we’re bringing you the top coronavirus headlines from Vancouver and across Canada all together in one place on a daily basis, to help you digest all the information and stay in the know with the biggest stories and developments.
Top COVID-19 stories for April 20 in Vancouver
Canada requires passengers to wear face masks on all flights effective today
Effective noon EDT (9 am PST) Monday, April 20, 2020, passengers travelling by air in Canada will be required to cover their nose and mouth with a non-medical mask or face covering on all flights.
Marc Garneau, the Minister of Transport, announced the new measures in a press release on Friday, and they will be implemented starting today.
“COVID-19 is a global public health challenge that has changed the daily lives of people around the world,” the release explains, “and ensuring the safety and security of Canadians remains the Government of Canada’s top priority.”
BC reports 52 new coronavirus cases and five more deaths since Saturday
British Columbia health officials announced 52 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the province’s total known case count to 1,699.
These are new cases since Saturday, as BC doesn’t update its case count on Sundays. Another five people have died since Saturday, bringing BC’s coronavirus death toll to 86. “Our hearts go out to their families,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said. So far 1,039 people have recovered from their coronavirus infection, meaning only 663 cases are active.
The 2020 Honda Celebration of Light has been cancelled
British Columbia’s largest event, the Honda Celebration of Light, has been cancelled for 2020.
The announcement was made on Monday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in British Columbia. Organizers said in a statement that they must “accept the reality” that the event will not happen as planned come summer. Rather, they’re exploring different options in lieu of a physical event.
Looking for more information and further updates? You can view all the day’s headlines in real-time here.