Morning Update for March 30th, 2020.

NANAIMO —The latest COVID-19 outbreak numbers show BC reporting its largest daily increase in infections. There were 92 new cases confirmed on Saturday, bringing the total in BC to 884 cases. Three new cases in the Island Health district brings the total here to 60. One new death was reported on the lower mainland. There were no new numbers released on Sunday. The Provincial Health Officer will update the figures this afternoon.

It may be the end of March break, but students are not heading back to their classrooms today. Instead, parents are being asked to check out a new website to support learning at home. The website is openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning. Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Ladysmith and Cowichan Valley School Districts say teachers will be calling parents this week, with more details on how online classes or email assignments will work. Both districts say they will connect vulnerable students to food programs, but no details have been announced.

Meanwhile, farmer's markets in BC are feeling the effects of COVID-19. Nanaimo's Island Roots Farmers' Market at Beban Park was shut down when the city cancelled all rentals. Market manager Michele Greene says it's setting up an online market, where customers can order their farm-fresh produce and baked goods. The same is true of the Qualicum Beach Farmers' market. However, it plans to reopen a modified market next Saturday as well. The Comox Valley Farmers' Market remains open and it too is planning to set up an online option this week.

Starting at midnight tonight, anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to travel on airplanes or trains. The federal order does not apply to buses because they are regulated by the province. Nanaimo's transit system has taken steps to protect bus drivers by having riders enter by the side doors, and can ride for free. It has also gone to its summer schedule, which includes the cancellation of eight of its bus routes.

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Lisa Cordasco

Senior Reporter and News Director — Lisa is responsible for creating the station's first morning news current affairs show on CHLY. She is also deeply involved in training and mentoring student and citizen journalists who volunteer their time at the station. Before joining CHLY, Lisa spent 35 years in various roles at CBC Radio, from host to reporter. Her passion for journalism and radio has led her to Nanaimo, where she intends to provide CHLY listeners with news they can use, in an alternative radio environment. Her other not-so-secret passion is costuming for any occasion.

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