COVID-19 has kept many families apart over the past several weeks as the majority of British Columbians have been following social distancing guidelines laid out by BC health officials. Now, the Province’s top doctor has offered a glimmer of hope that physical contact with loved ones could become a possibility in the month of May.
On Wednesday, the BC Government unveiled its plans to begin reopening the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These plans not only included steps for specific businesses, sectors and services to resume operations, but also guidelines for expanding our restricted social circles.
One question that has been on the mind of many British Columbians surrounds hugging loved ones and although BC’s curve has been flattening in recent weeks, Dr. Bonnie Henry urged residents to wait just a little bit longer.
“Not quite yet, please,” Dr. Henry said when asked about hugging family members.
“We have a little bit of time, we’re looking at the middle of May. If things continue to go, if we’re doing the same things that we’re doing in the next week and a half, by the long weekend is the time that we will be able to go out and hug our family.”
The province is nearing the two-month mark since social restrictions were implemented as a result of the pandemic. With many British Columbians itching to connect with family, hug their mothers or even hold newborn infants for the first time, Dr. Henry continued to preach patience, pointing to the risks of expanding social networks too quickly.
“The risk in our community is low enough, but these are the decisions you are going to have to make. If you expand your circle, you know that you are going to be in contact with their contacts, so you need to do it thoughtfully and you need to understand the risk in your family,” said Dr. Henry.
Health officials will be closely monitoring the COVID-19 landscape during the first stages of the reopening plan and, barring any major outbreaks, they predict the province is on track for easing measures in the next few weeks.
“Spread your circle, but be very careful and very aware. You might have to do it in small steps,” added BC’s top doctor.
Premier John Horgan echoed Dr. Henry’s sentiments, pointing out that relative to other jurisdictions during this global pandemic “British Columbians are doing very well, but we can’t give up the ground we’ve made.”
With Mother’s Day coming up on May 10, Horgan is asking British Columbians to assess their situation before proceeding to hug mom.
“We’re not prescribing to British Columbians who they interact with and how they interact with them, only to say that the best way to protect everyone is to observe social distancing.” said the BC Premier.
Horgan added that if your circle has remained fairly tight, then “I welcome you to hug your mom,” but as a general rule, he is suggesting people heed the advice from Dr. Henry and remain patient for a few more weeks.
On the cusp of social distancing restrictions easing, the government did point out that following the current rules remains “especially important when visiting people who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of COVID-19.”
Despite authorizing small expansions of social circles, the Province also said they will not be lifting the ban on large group gatherings any time soon.
In addition, the BC Government wants residents to continue maintaining good hygiene, washing hands, and following reasonable distancing guidelines while out in the community.
Graham Cox
