government says it is in the process of putting thousands of smartphones into the hands of some of B.C. 's most vulnerable people to help ensure everyone is informed about proper health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. "This was a hugely important need that was going unmet," Copas said. She says the COVID-19 pandemic has opened up a conversation around the importance of internet access and a phone. To date, 1,000 have already been handed out, with the additional 2,500 smartphones going out to organizations and community response networks throughout the province.

Source: CBC News May 12, 2020 22:31 UTC