Coronavirus (COVID-19) National News

BRANDON, Man. — Manitoba's top doctor says stricter regional restrictions are possible as a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the province's second-largest city grew to 64, with more than a third them workers at a hog-processing plant.

NEW YORK — The NHL says it has had no positive COVID-19 test results in its first two weeks in secure zones in Edmonton and Toronto. The league says it administered 7,245 tests in its second week, from Aug. 2-8, with no positive results.

OTTAWA — A quiet choice this spring to have the Crown corporation responsible for helping Canadians obtain affordable housing run a commercial rent-relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic has become the latest front in a war between the Liberal g

MONTREAL — Quebec's updated back-to-school plan requires students in Grade 5 and up to wear masks in all common areas of school buildings, but not in the classroom.

SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health says a staff member at a long-term care home has tested positive for COVID-19. The health authority says in a statement that the case is at New Vista Care Home, which is operated by New Vista Care Society.

Vancouver Coastal Health says people who visited two Vancouver restaurants recently may have been exposed to COVID-19. The health authority added Pierre's Champagne Lounge and West Oak Restaurant to its list of possible current public exposures.

Three ICBC pandemic-response measures will expire in coming weeks as drivers return to their cars and the province’s restart plans progresses. The BC Utilities Commission had approved the Insurance Corp.

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in B.C., with the province adding 53 new cases Friday (August 7) compared to a day earlier. No new deaths have been reported for the seventh consecutive day in the province.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a list of general recommendations for reopening schools in September while reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.

VANCOUVER — More flights have been added to the list alerting passengers who arrived at British Columbia airports of potential exposure to COVID-19.