HEALTH Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Saturday announced nine new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) , for a total of 73 cases in British Columbia.

The individuals are in the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser and Interior health regions, and were confirmed positive based on BC Centre for Disease Control testing.

Five cases are connected to a cluster at the Lynn Valley Care Centre, one case is linked to travel from Portugal and the remaining three cases are under investigation.

Public health teams continue to be on site at both the Lynn Valley Care Centre and the Hollyburn House Retirement Residence, working to contain potential transmission to other residents and workers.

Dix and Henry said: “From the outset, we have been proactive in our efforts. Our approach has been to get ahead of increasing risks and do all we can to break the chains of transmission, and we will continue to do so.

“We are adapting our testing strategy to respond to the situation here in B.C. to ensure all who get sick can get the testing they need.

“We would like to be clear that testing is available for all who need it, but not everyone requires a test. If you have no symptoms, mild symptoms, or are a returning traveller and isolating at home, you do not require a test.

“We are continuing to test those who are part of an active investigation or outbreak cluster, those with severe illness who are hospitalized, residents of long-term care facilities and health-care workers.”

They also said: “We ask all British Columbians to be measured in their purchase of groceries and other basic necessities. Our retail supply-chain providers have assured us they have an abundance of supply and are restocking regularly. There is no need to stockpile.”

If you have questions about self-isolating, caring for yourself and your family, and whether you may require a test, the BCCDC website continues to be an important first point for the latest information: http://bccdc.ca”