Too soon to lift B.C.'s COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and events, officials say
Province-wide restrictions on gatherings and events are likely to be extended as COVID-19 transmission remains high across British Columbia, health officials said Tuesday.
Those restrictions prohibit organized indoor gatherings such as weddings and funeral receptions, and limit personal indoor gatherings to the hosts plus 10 guests, or one additional household.
But provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also suggested the government might relax other measures, if they are no longer deemed necessary to limit the spread of the Omicron variant.
"The restrictions on gatherings and events are likely to remain unchanged for now," Henry said at a news conference. "In parallel, we are looking at what we can safely resume now that all businesses have COVID safety plans."
Jeff Guignard, executive director of the BC Alliance of Beverage Licensees says nightclubs and bars have the necessary safety protocols in place and have proven in previous waves that they can operate safely.
“We just need to know if we’re going to be allowed to reopen,” said Guignard. “We have folks who are trying to make decisions. They have to recall staff and stock up on supplies, and they just don’t know yet whether they can spend the money, so it’s really frustrating.”
B.C.'s latest restrictions, which were introduced last month, forced the temporary closure of bars, nightclubs and gyms, and imposed 50 per cent capacity limits on movie theatres, arenas and other venues.
Officials initially said the measures would remain in place through Jan. 18, unless they need to be extended.
Transmission has continued to climb since then, though the province has lost the ability to accurately track COVID-19 cases because of limitations in testing capacity. While the province announced 2,106 new infections on Monday, an independent group of COVID-19 modellers has suggested the true number was likely closer to 12,500.
Henry acknowledged that many Omicron infections appear to be milder, particularly among people who are fully vaccinated, but noted the number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 has also started climbing rapidly in recent weeks.
"One of the things that is becoming very, very clear is that this strain of the virus is absolutely mostly mild in people who have the protection that vaccination offers," Henry said. "But if you are unvaccinated, you don't have that protection, and your personal risk has gone up dramatically in some communities."
The majority of hospital admissions, in particular those requiring intensive care, involve people who aren't protected by vaccination, Henry said.
The government hasn't provided a breakdown of ICU patients since Friday, at which point the unvaccinated made up 62 per cent of overall COVID-19 critical care admissions – and 88 per cent of those involving people under the age of 50.
Though many people have been expressing frustration and exhaustion at the state of the pandemic, Henry encouraged the public to continue following the government's COVID-19 measures while also conducting thoughtful personal risk assessments to determine how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
"We all feel like we're getting battered by wave after wave of this storm, but let's not forget that there is much that we do have control over – and there's a lot that we can do safely and happily," she said.
On Dec. 22, the provincial government announced funding from $1,000 to $10,000 for businesses ordered to temporarily close down through the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant.
If the closure order is extended, Guignard says additional money must be made available, and suggests tax temporary relief for affected businesses.
“Like not collecting PST for a month. Giving (businesses) a PST rebate for that period," he said.
As of Tuesday, the application system for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant is not yet online, so businesses are still waiting for access to the funds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.