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Osoyoos Times Staff
Seven cases of COVID-19 in the Interior Health region are among the 83 new reported cases of the virus in British Columbia.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix declared a public health emergency Tuesday giving the government new powers including ordering the closure of all bars and clubs in B.C. and any restaurants who are unable to meet the requirements for distancing customers.
“Bars and clubs in my opinion are not able to meet our test for social distancing and therefore must close. Restaurants and cafés in some cases can meet this criteria for physical distancing but those who cannot maintain the physical distancing will need to close or move to take-out and delivery services,” Henry said.
Businesses and services remaining open for daily needs, public utilities, grocery stores, etc. need to incorporate distancing measures, Henry said.
An additional three deaths related to COVID-19 brings the total number of deaths in the province to seven.
Out of the 186 cases in B.C., seven are in hospital and Henry said many are experiencing mild symptoms and are isolating at home. Five people have fully recovered.
