British Columbia records eighth death from COVID-19, cases climb to 271

The province also announced 40 new cases today. (File Photo by CDC/Unsplash)

VANCOUVER — British Columbia has recorded an eighth death from COVID-19 as the number of infections climbs to 271 cases.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the latest death is a man who was a resident of the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, where six others have died.

The province also announced 40 new cases today.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the majority of cases are in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health regions.

She says precautions everyone must take to protect each other are “not optional” but that maintaining social distance must come with keeping a social connection to prevent isolation and that could happen online.

Henry says anxiety over the spread of the virus is increasing but that means it’s all the more important for people to safely reach out to each other, including seniors.

Dix says the province has also eliminated the three-month waiting period for medical services for British Columbians returning to Canada to ensure people get the care they need.

British Columbia has declared both a provincial state of emergency and a public health emergency because of COVID-19.

Vancouver city council followed the province with its own local state of emergency today.

The city says the declaration allows staff to take additional measures in the battle against the virus including giving the city priority in acquiring clothing, equipment or medical supplies to cope with the pandemic.

Mayor Kennedy Stewart said the bylaw gives the city the power to take things “a step further” if businesses continue to ignore orders to close as well.

Kennedy said he introduced the motion after learning police had identified over 20 bars and restaurants that defied an order to close on St. Patrick’s Day. The mayor said he has since learned of many more businesses ignoring a ban on large gatherings aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.