Private home gatherings restricted

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new COVID-19 restrictions this week for gatherings in homes after reporting a record high 817 new cases over the weekend.
“Similar to what occurred in the summer with vacation homes and rentals, we have seen a notable increase in new cases and transmission of COVID-19 as a direct result of social gatherings in private homes,” said Henry. “As a result, a new provincial health officer order will be put in place today limiting gatherings in private homes to no more than your immediate household, plus six others. This is a province-wide order that applies to all homes for all occasions.”
Henry went on to say that enforcement will be stepped up to ensure people are following this new order, and the expectation is that people will wear masks in all indoor public spaces.
“As part of this,” Henry said. “Businesses are asked to review their COVID-19 safety plans with this in mind. If you are in a high-traffic area or among many people outside of your household while at work, a mask will help to protect you and those around you.”
There are 2,325 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 5,077 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
“Now is the time for all of us to work together – while staying apart – to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Henry. “Always keeping our groups small and using our layers of protection is the best way for us to do that.”
The Local