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https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/f...ince-1.4844990

VICTORIA -- British Columbia has had its first death from the novel coronavirus, provincial health authorities announced Monday.

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also said five new cases of the virus, known as COVID-19, have been found, bringing the provincial total to 32 cases.

One of the cases was imported from Iran by a woman in her 50s and the other was imported from Italy by a man in his 30s, Henry said. Both patients have been isolated at home in the Vancouver area.
Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Brussels

One of the residents of a care home in North Vancouver, whose case was announced on Saturday, died on Sunday night, Henry said at a news conference in Victoria Monday morning.

"We are deeply saddened to hear that one of the residents of the Lynn Valley care home who was infected with COVID-19 passed away last night," Henry said.

"Our heart-felt condolences go out to his family and loved ones."

In Ottawa on Monday, Canada's top public health doctor recommended Canadians avoid travelling on cruise ships to protect against the spread of coronavirus.

Dr. Theresa Tam previously advised Canadians to think twice about cruises but toughened her stance in a Monday morning news conference in Ottawa.

Henry addressed the cruise ship issue at the B.C. legislature.

"We are very aware that the cruise ship season is coming up here in Victoria," Henry said.

"My personal belief right now is we are in a very critical time around the world and it is my belief that we should be delaying our cruise season."

So far there are no cases of coronavirus confirmed on Vancouver Island.