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British Columbia is ending its week of COVID-19 statistics on a positive note. There have been no deaths reported in the past 24 hours, and just four new cases of the virus on the lower mainland. These are the lowest numbers recorded since the start of the pandemic. 228 British Columbians continue to recover from COVID-19, with 34 in hospital, and one in the Island Health region.

The Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer are welcoming the federal government's decision to ban cruise ships from Canadian waters until at least the end of October. In a joint statement, Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry write: "We commend the federal government's decision. This is the right thing to do for our country and our province right now to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into our coastal communities." The ban was set to expire on July the 4th. Previously, Dr. Henry had said if cruise ships did dock in BC, passengers would not be allowed to disembark unless they had a plan for 2 weeks of self-isolation. The decision is the latest setback for the tourism industry. |One industry study estimates cruise ships inject $120 million dollars in the economy of greater Victoria every year.

Today has been proclaimed "Day of the Honey Bee" by the Ministry of Agriculture. It's In recognition of the significant role the province's honey bees and native pollinators play in B.C.'s agricultural industry and the lives of British Columbians. To mark the occasion, the province has announced a series of grants under its Bee BC program. 15 individuals and organizations from around the province will receive grants for projects that support the health of B.C.'s bees. Among the recipients is the Thetis Island Beekeepers Co-op, It's project will recover land for mass forage planting and crop blend design. The co-op will share its results with other beekeepers.

The city of Nanaimo is reminding dog owners that your fur-babies are banned from beaches from now until October. At this time of year, beaches become more crowded and the shoreline is active with migrating and breeding wildlife that should not be disturbed. Those who are caught with their dog on a public beach could face a $150 dollar fine. There are alternatives to let rover run wild, like the region's 11 off-leash dog parks.

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Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.

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