[ad_1]
Photo: BC gov. Flickr
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
The ban on social gatherings inside homes that was implemented in the Lower Mainland two weeks ago has been extended to the whole province until at least 7 December, and masks will now be mandatory in indoor public and commercial spaces.
On Thursday afternoon, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the extension of the previously announced ban to social gatherings of any size in homes with people outside that family.
He said the transmission of COVID-19 hasn’t been slowed down since the Lower Mainland specific order was put in place two weeks ago and the growing number of cases has started to strain BC’s health system throughout. the BC.
“We have seen an increase in the transmission of epidemics and health tensions on our health system in other parts of the province as well, notably all the other three health authorities – the interior, the north and Vancouver Island – have seen spikes,” she said.
As of Wednesday, 209 British Colombians have been hospitalized with the virus, two of whom are in the Interior Health region, two on Vancouver Island and eight in the Northern Health region. COVID-related deaths have also increased recently, with 11 new deaths announced on Tuesday and 10 more on Wednesday.
Dr. Henry also ordered the mandatory use of masks in all public and retail indoor settings in the future. Until now, he said that masks in interior spaces are “intended”, but now it is mandatory.
“It will be mandatory to wear masks in all indoor public and commercial spaces, not only for staff but also for customers, except when eating and drinking in restaurants, for example,” said Dr. Henry. “Even in all workplaces for those common public areas like elevators, corridors between shared work areas, in hotels, elevators and common areas, for example.”
The temporary cancellation of all events and mass gatherings in the province was also ordered Thursday, regardless of whether the events are under 50 people. This order will remain in effect until at least December 7 and includes places of worship, such as churches and temples.
Dr. Henry said exceptions to this new order include baptisms, weddings and funerals, which can still proceed with up to 10 people. Things like AA meetings and after-school programs held in places of worship can still go on.
Bonnie also reiterated Thursday that British Colombians should suspend all non-essential travel within the province for the time being.
“We recognize tourism is incredibly important in British Columbia, but we are asking people in British Columbia to stay in the area right now, to stay in their community, to postpone recreational or social travel,” he said. “Go to your local ski area rather than one located in another part of the province.”
Both indoor and outdoor sports throughout BC may continue, but spectators are now banned from these events and are not allowed to travel outside the teams’ communities for the next month.
He also added that those workers who can work from home should do so.
Health Minister Adrian Dix added that the province will step up enforcement of businesses that fail to comply with COVID-19 security measures, and there will be more emphasis on fines and closing these businesses.
Dr Henry said “we’re all a little tired of this” and some companies have gotten complacent.
Source link
