Here’s the latest news for Surrey, White Rock and beyond for Monday, March 23. This will be updated as information becomes available:
• It’s getting toasty on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, as more and more residents get together – from a distance – to celebrate the efforts of their neighbours and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A website aimed at helping ensure health-care workers both locally and across the province have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) was launched this week by a White Rock emergency-room physician.
• Premier John Horgan called the B.C. legislature into a brief session to change employment law to protect workers affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic sweeping around the world.
• White Rock/South Surrey softball players stay positive amid likely Olympic postponement.
• The City of Surrey has closed playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor courts, Mayor Doug McCallum announced Monday morning (March 23).
• The B.C. government has announced a $5 billion aid package for individuals and businesses affected by the economic shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions.
• Government help is on the way for the agriculture industry through challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Add golf courses to the list of recreation facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Three more people have died as a result of COVID-19 in B.C., provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday (March 23).
• The B.C. government is stepping up screening and protection measures for long-term care homes after two more staff members tested positive for COVID-19 at facilities in Vancouver and Delta.
• A phone scam claiming social insurance numbers (SIN) are no good because of the COVID-19 crisis is making the rounds of Langley and other Lower Mainland communities.
• The Canadian government is investing $192 million in finding a vaccine and treatment methods for COVID-19.
• Service BC offices will remain open across the province with reception areas modified to support social distancing and the first hour of business set aside for vulnerable citizens.
• The Surrey Board of Trade and the South Asian Business Association are urging the City of Surrey to immediately declare a local state of emergency amid the COVID-19 Outbreak.
• The City of White Rock announced that it will temporarily close its waterfront parking lots and parkade, starting today (March 23) as part of an effort to reduce the number of people visiting the city’s popular pier and promenade.
• The federal government is launching a $30-million national ad campaign today (March 23) to urge every Canadian to do their bit to help prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.
• Peace Arch News guest columnist Kristyl Clark – a former PAN staffer – shares some insights as she self-isolates with her husband and two young daughters.
• Air Canada is laying off more than 5,000 flight attendants as the country’s largest airline cuts routes amid plunging demand.
• Canada won’t have a team at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics unless the Games are postponed, according to a joint statement issued by Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee.
• The City of White Rock has closed four playgrounds to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the city.
• For the latest coronavirus and COVID-19 news, visit peacearchnews.com/tag/coronavirus
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