UPDATED: 8 new Interior Health COVID-19 cases announced, spas, salons, ordered to close

All spas, salons and tattoo shops and other "personal service establishments" have been ordered to close, according to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix's latest announcement on COVID-19.

They gave an update March 21 on COVID-19 in B.C. through a live Facebook video stream.

Personal service establishments have been ordered to close, Henry said “as these require direct personal contact with people, and that is impossible to deliver while maintaining appropriate distance."

Orders can be enforced in the province using "peace officers," Henry said. This week, restaurants and bars were also ordered to close, aside from using delivery and take-out options.

As of today, 74 new cases have been announced in B.C. with eight new cases in the Interior Health region.

A total of 424 people in B.C. have tested positive for the virus, with a total to 27 in Interior Health cases. One additional death has also been reported in a Vancouver care home.

Henry urged people to maintain social distancing in order to “flatten the curve.”

If people can't work from home, social distancing measures need to be in place, Henry said.

Industries that have employees working outside are less risky as the virus isn’t transmitted outdoors as easily, she said.

When asked about construction sites, Henry said some construction projects may be considered essential and are taking the appropriate measures. She said employees can contact WorkSafeBC to if they’re concerned about unsafe work.

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