Canada declares coronavirus outbreak at long-term care home

Canadian officials have declared an outbreak of the new coronavirus at a long-term care home in North Vancouver after health officials said two elderly residents were diagnosed with the illness.

Dr Bonnie Henry, the British Columbia provincial health officer, said on Saturday the two new cases follow an earlier confirmation of COVID-19 in a care worker at the Lynn Valley Care Centre.

The care home is now in an outbreak protocol, which restricts visitors and enhances health and safety measures.

"We know that the risk to elderly people having this disease is very concerning, particularly older people with underlying chronic illnesses," Henry said.

She said a total of six new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in British Columbia.

"The last two cases really are the most concerning to us," she told reporters, pausing at length at one point to wipe tears from her eyes.

"The message that I think is so important for British Columbians today is that you need to stay home if you're sick," Henry said.

"We are in an extraordinary situation. We need everybody to be aware, to look after your children."