VICTORIA — British Columbia's Health Minister urged those thinking of attending large events where social distancing isn't possible to re-think their plans, and warned bylaw officers would be out as enforcement.
Adrian Dix says parties may not be immediately shut down but there would be consequences for those found flouting the rules.
"(Private parties) have been a significant source of problems," he said at a press conference on Thursday.
"I have to say this, if you're thinking of organizing a party — especially one involving alcohol, where there's so specific limits on distancing that you're putting in place — you should not do so."
He warned that environmental health and bylaw officers would be out checking banquet halls and other places that hold events to ensure the 50-person capacity limit is being respected.
"They can expect to be visited," he said of those hosting private events. "The rules will be enforced and that will have consequences."
Dix's comments come as B.C. reported 78 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the province's total to 4,274.
No new deaths were reported Thursday, leaving the province's total at 196.
People between the ages of 20 to 29 now make up the group seeing the largest increase of infections, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.
Those infections have been seen after exposure events, such as parties where young adults have been gathering, she added.
Henry said those in that age range as well as people between the ages of 30 to 39 make up a disproportionate number of the province's infections.
But she cautioned against criticizing the behaviour of all younger people.
"I think we have to be a little bit careful about demonizing. Most young people are doing the right things and they are socially responsible and they care a tremendous amount about their communities and their families. We have to be a little bit careful about tarring everybody with the same brush," she said.
Henry also revealed some of the responses to the B.C. COVID-19 Population Healthy Survey, laying out the toll the pandemic has had on people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds.
One in 10 adult British Columbians completed the survey, which asked questions regarding the financial and societal impact the pandemic had taken.
Those who identified as West Asian, Latin American and South Asian respondents were the most likely to report difficulties in meeting financial needs. West Asian, Latin American and Black respondents were the most likely to report job losses caused by the pandemic.
Caucasian respondents reported less financial difficulties and faced less job losses.
Those with lower incomes also reported issues with food security as well as a difficulty in meeting their financial needs.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on Aug. 13, 2020.
The Canadian Press