As the May long weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer, Minister of Health Adrian Dix is warning British Columbians from Coquitlam to Kitimat to stay close to home.
That means “no leisure trips to cabins or to go boating — especially across borders,” said Dix in a written statement.
The province does not move to its Phase 2 staged easing of social distancing measures and re-opening of the economy until May 19. But that doesn’t mean the long weekend can’t be fun.
"The good news is because of your efforts and sacrifice so far, you can now start to expand your circle slowly, but keep your group small, always keeping in mind 'fewer faces and bigger spaces.' Outside is ideal,” said Dix.
Backyard barbecues with another family or a few close friends spread outside is also OK, provided you don’t share drinks or reach into the same chip bowl, said Dix. Instead, the health minister said it’s better to prepare individual servings, or opt for the outdoors and hit a local park or go for a long walk.
Dix’s reminder comes a day after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reminded British Columbians that small gatherings need to be rolled out with care.
“The path is really not black and white. That is the challenge we have,” she said.
Some key things to keep in mind, said Henry are “location, duration, relation,” pointing to how much time you spend inside or outside, and long you'll be in contact with one another and how far apart you are to avoid such contact.
“The more people we have contact with, the more chance we have of spreading this virus,” she said. “We’re in contact with them, we’re in contact with their contacts as well.”
— with files from Jane Seyd, North Shore News
