B.C. urged to celebrate small, local this Thanksgiving to limit spread of COVID-19
Posted October 9, 2020 6:18 am.
Last Updated October 9, 2020 6:38 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Another long weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic has B.C.’s top doctor urging us to stay local and celebrate small this Thanksgiving.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s “order” is to make this year’s celebration one of gratitude and kindness, saying on Thursday that despite the impacts of COVID-19, there is still a lot to be grateful for.
“We can give thanks and continue to find new and safe ways to support each other and show we care. Support your family by keeping your celebration dinner small,” she said. “Support your friends and neighbours by always giving them the space to stay safe.”
This comes after B.C. reported 110 new COVID-19 cases in the province on Thursday. The bump in new infections pushed B.C. past the 10,000 case mark.
#BREAKING One death and 110 new cases of #COVID19 in #BC bring count total past 10-thousand threshold.
Of 76 hospitalized, 17 in critical care
With 1394 active, 3139 isolating and 8398 recovered
Rate is 83.4% up from 83.3 Wednesday.
Death toll now 245#bcpoli @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) October 8, 2020
Highlighting the importance of catching the coronavirus early and continuing efforts to flatten the curve, Henry also noted that B.C. has been doing well in both areas.
But with BC Ferries adding extra sailings this weekend — some already fully booked — Henry acknowledged that some people are itching to catch up with close family members they haven’t seen in a while.
“Keep your groups small. We don’t want large groups travelling to places, for sure,” she said. “But it doesn’t concern me so much. We know that there’s still restrictions on numbers that many of the ferries are allowed to carry still.”
Henry also points out 12 000+ tests done over last 24 hours, so if only 110 are positive, that’s good.
Re: @BCFerries bookings are strong for #Thanksgiving, Henry says she still wants us to stay local, but understands some people need to travel. #bcpoli @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) October 8, 2020
-With files from Kathryn Tindale
