As the Family Day long weekend approaches, Island Health is reminding everyone to do their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19, even if that means not seeing your entire family this holiday.
“We understand the urge to gather with loved ones, especially on Family Day, however even small gatherings present a significant risk,” said the health region in a news bulletin on Friday. “Contact tracing investigations continue to show that COVID-19 is spreading on Vancouver Island in places and situations where people gather.”
It’s called Family Day, but the health region says now is not the time to spend time with family or friends who do not live in your household, as per provincial health guidelines.
Island Health says social interactions and getting together with others in person and online is important to everyone’s wellbeing, but there are many options to do so safely.
One of those ways is to head outdoors, despite the cold winter weather the Island is facing this coming weekend.
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Safely taking advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities within your local community is a safe bet that can include going for a walk with someone outside your household, as long as it does not turn into a group of people meeting outside, says the Island’s health officials.
Island Health is reminding everyone that although it’s a long weekend, it’s not an opportunity to travel outside of your community, and asks everyone to keep that well-known six feet of distance and to wear masks.
The province has created a list of free Family Day activities that can be found here.
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Rebecca Lawrence
