COVID-19 Update April 16, 2020:

📊 There are 14 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 1,575. There are 630 cases in the Fraser Health region.

🔴 There has been a COVID-19 outbreak in the Acute Care Unit at Ridge Meadows Hospital. I am monitoring the situation closely.

✅ Starting today, the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service will serve as a one-stop resource to answer questions about supports available to businesses from the provincial and federal governments, industry and community partners. Advisors are available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific time) and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 833 254-4357, covid@smallbusinessbc.ca, or on the livechat at https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca.

🔴 I am very sad to announce that 3 more people have passed away in BC due to COVID-19. My thoughts are with their families during this difficult time.

✅ The BC government today launched Here2Talk – a service that offers confidential, free single-session services by app, phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.vChat sessions with a trained counselor can be accessed by downloading the Here2Talk app or visiting: here2talk.ca

Students can speak to a counsellor by phone, toll-free at 1 877 857-3397 or direct 604 642-5212.

✅ The federal government is expanding the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). CEBA will now cover businesses who spent between $20,000 and $1.5 million on payroll last year.

Your efforts are making progress in the fight against COVID-19. For our healthcare system, and for the health of those most at risk, we must continue to practice social distancing.

Be safe. Be well.

BC Government News: Joint statement on Province of B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates.

For more information on Provincial government supports, please visit this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support