It’s been a deadly few days in B.C., with 111 COVID fatalities in the last week alone.
That accounts for a quarter of all deaths since the pandemic began.
“It has been a difficult week for all of us and reminds us of what we need to do right here, right now, before a vaccine,” says health minister Adrian Dix.
B.C. health officials are urging everyone to follow the public health orders, stay close to home, avoid all non-essential travel and only see people in their household or bubble.
“We are continuing to see unchecked transmissions despite our efforts,” provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says. “We need more than ever to stay local, stay small, not mix with others.”
That means Christmas — as we know it — is cancelled.
“What I want for Christmas is for everyone to stay home and stay safe so we can get through to next year,” says Dr. Henry.
MORE: B.C. reports 12 deaths, more than 800 new cases of COVID-19
B.C.’s top doctor won’t yet say if the ban on all events — which is in effect until Dec. 7 — will be extended.
But the premier has a strong message for the holidays:
“This is a critical, dangerous time for British Columbia with respect to COVID 19,” Premier John Horgan said. “It’s absolutely essential we reduce interactions with people. There will be difficult times ahead for family gatherings.”
Additional restrictions on indoor adult team sports are also being put in place.
And high-intensity indoor group fitness is on hold — indefinitely.
“This is the worst time for transmission,” says Dix. “What was possible in August is not possible now and no amount of arguing or litigating will change that.”
It’s a message they hope will finally get through to those following the rules, before it’s too late.
Tess van Straaten
