By Lyonel Doherty
Premier John Horgan has introduced the B.C. Restart Plan that will loosen COVID-19 restrictions in phases starting next week.
Today, Horgan explained how the government will carefully restart the economy one step at a time. But he stressed this is dependent on how diligent the public is in preventing the spread of the virus.
“If we lose this discipline, everything we have worked for at this point will be lost.”
The Restart Plan will begin in mid-May when many provincial parks will re-open for day use on May 14.
This phase of the plan will also see a return to small social gatherings, a resumption of elective surgeries, dentistry, chiropractic care and in-person counselling.
Horgan also said more non-essential businesses will re-open (with safety protocols), and in-person schooling will be offered to K-12 students.
Horgan said grandchildren will be visiting grandparents, kids will be having playdates, and friends can gather indoors and out as long as social distancing rules are followed.
“The key is small gatherings,” the premier stressed, adding that restrictions on large gatherings will be here to stay.
Horgan encouraged people to keep their circles tight. He also urged people to stay close to home, noting this is not the time for road trips to other communities.
The next phase in the Restart Plan (June-September) will see the resumption of camping, film and TV production, movie theatre openings and hotels/resorts back in business.
Horgan said the final phase will only be achieved when the threat of COVID-19 has been significantly diminished through widespread vaccination and evidence of immunity. Until this happens, there won’t be any large gatherings such as rock concerts or conventions, he pointed out.
The premier said their success will depend on large scale testing, strong border controls and maintaining zero tolerance for illness in the workplace.
During question period, Horgan was asked by one reporter if he could hug his mom on Mother’s Day this Sunday.
The premier said the best way to protect everyone is to observe social distancing, especially if people have compromised immune systems.
“If your circle is tight, I welcome you to hug your mom.”
Horgan was also asked when the borders will reopen to Americans. He said only when there is evidence that the curve has flattened and that COVID-19 cases are reduced in other jurisdictions.
