Vancouver recorded eight suspected overdose deaths in one week in March, the highest weekly toll since August 2019, according to the City of Vancouver. "The increase in overdose deaths last week is a reminder that we now are experiencing two public health emergencies: COVID-19 and the overdose crisis," said a statement from the city. The spike happened between March 23 and 29 and is in contrast to a decline in overdose deaths in Vancouver over the past year. It is urging people to use supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites to reduce overdose risk, and to help drug users keep a safe distance in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. will mark the four-year anniversary of the declaration of the overdose crisis as a public health emergency.

Source: CBC News April 01, 2020 20:15 UTC