Afternoon Update for April 14, 2020

Alert Bay Mayor Dennis Buchanan. 📷: Provided by Village of Alert Bay.

NANAIMO —The Mayor of Alert Bay has posted a video, confirming he has contracted COVID-19. Dennis Buchanan says he caught the virus a week ago, despite practising physical distancing, regular handwashing and never leaving Cormorant Island. In the video, the Mayor is seen standing on his front porch, imploring people to stay at home. Buchanan says he's lost 9 pounds, due to dehydration caused by the virus. He says he might not be here if his daughter had not urged him to go to the hospital. Buchanan says "I have COVID-19 because someone has seen fit to bring it to the island. Wake up, people. Don't go visiting. Don't go partying."

The federal government is expanding its surveillance of international travellers, to include a requirement that only travellers returning to BC were forced to meet. All travellers returning to Canada must self-quarantine for two weeks, whether or not they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Last weekend, BC imposed an additional requirement that returning travellers at Vancouver International Airport and land border crossings had to prove they have a self-isolation plan in place. Starting at midnight tonight, travellers at all Canadian entry points must have plans in place, or they will be quarantined at government-sanctioned locations, including hotels. Yesterday, BC's Minister of Health said he hoped the BC plan would be expanded because many travellers enter the country at airports in Toronto or Montreal before returning to this province.

Nanaimo RCMP says a new online scam involving COVID-19 benefits is making the rounds. Constable Gary O'Brien told Nanaimo News Now that a dozen people have reported getting texts, with a link to claim COVID-19 emergency funds, announced by the federal government. The fake website asks for people's names and their Social Insurance Number. O'Brien says some people did enter their information. No federal or provincial programs contact people through text messages. Individuals must contact governments directly, to receive any benefits.

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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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