Provincewide COVID-19 restrictions are supposed to be lifted in British Columbia today, but there are indications that health officials will extend limits on events, sports and social gatherings.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said last week it was apparent that transmissions weren’t going down as they had hoped.
She said that extending restrictions isn’t a decision that she makes lightly or alone.
Dr. Henry said they would look at all the options and will wait until today to make the decision.
Monday, Dec. 7, is when the current COVID-19 restrictions – including the mandate on masks – were originally slated to end, however, there is a strong possibility that health officials extend the orders.
Premier John Horgan also hinted last week that a decision would be made on Monday in regards to the most recent COVID-19 restrictions.
“Dr. Henry will assess the data, she’ll do her analysis, she’ll brief the government and decisions will be made at that time,” Horgan said during a press conference last week.
“I don’t expect any significant changes between now and Monday,” he stated last Wednesday.
The provincial health officer updated restrictions late last week as well, suspending all indoor and outdoor sports for people 19 and over and stopping some high-intensity indoor group fitness classes like hot yoga and spin classes.
Also on Monday, B.C. politicians are scheduled to return to the legislature for a brief session after the October election that gave the New Democrat’s a majority government.
Premier John Horgan says they’ll use the session to make good on an election promise to provide one-time, tax-free payments of $1,000 to eligible families and $500 to individuals to help people get through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s putting dollars into people’s pockets so that they can continue to get through the most challenging time that British Columbians have ever known,” Horgan said during the press conference last week.
British Columbia’s health officials will provide a live COVID-19 update at 3 p.m. PT on Monday.
Live streams will be available on CHEK’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
With files to Canadian Press.
Graham Cox
