By Lyonel Doherty
Now that many people are expanding their social circles, the province’s top health official is urging them to do so cautiously.
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said it’s okay to hug friends in your bubble. It’s okay to hug your grandparents, and especially your teenage sons and daughters.
In her update this afternoon, Henry reported 33 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total to 2,288, including 179 cases in the Interior Health region (no change from yesterday).
Henry said there are currently 21 active outbreaks in long-term care affecting 280 patients and 180 staff members.
There are still 98 cases associated to three poultry plants in B.C., and 134 inmates impacted by COVID-19 in the Mission correctional centre.
Henry said another ongoing concern is the 16 B.C. cases associated to the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
A total of 76 people with COVID-19 are hospitalized in B.C., including 21 in intensive care. Two more people have died since yesterday, bringing the total number of deaths in B.C. to 126.
Henry alluded to the province’s Restart Plan (introduced yesterday), saying that Phase 2 doesn’t kick in until after the May long weekend. Therefore, she urged people to be patient and continue what they have been doing to keep themselves safe.
“Please continue to stay home as much as possible,” she advised.
Henry said the Restart Plan does not mean that everyone should adopt it. It really depends on their circumstances.
She noted that some restaurants, bars and hair salons my choose not to open during Phase 2.
“We do not expect everyone to follow the same plan.”
While individual business plans do not have to be submitted for approval, they must be publicly posted, she pointed out.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said they are continuing to work on single site proposals for long-term care workers, making sure they only work at one site in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He acknowledged that Mother’s Day on May 10 will be very difficult for many people whose moms are in long-term care.
During question period, Henry was asked for guidance on expanding circles of friends. How many is too many?
She advised people to be very mindful not to expand their circle of connections if they are caring for seniors in their family.
Start small, she said. For example, “double your bubble.” If you have two people over one night, don’t expand it to four different people the next night, Henry said.
She also discouraged children having playdates with other children right now.
Henry was asked when B.C. might see concerts again. She responded by saying they won’t happen this summer or not at all this year. She cited that one previous conference resulted in 87 people being impacted by COVID-19.
“Nobody around the world is talking about having mass gatherings right now.”
Henry said she doesn’t envision concerts until a treatment or vaccine is found.
She also doesn’t see religious gatherings resuming anytime soon.
But she stated they are working with sports associations on guidelines for restarting sporting events in B.C.
