Want to gather for Thanksgiving? Get vaccinated, PHO says

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) — Thanksgiving is coming next weekend, and many families are wondering how they can safely celebrate with each other, amongst the fourth wave of COVID-19.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said for those who aren’t already, the key to gathering together is to get vaccinated right now.

“This virus is still out there and if you’re going to have older members of your family coming together, then you want to make sure that everybody who comes into your household is immunized.”

Henry reminded British Columbians about the effectiveness of vaccines against COVID-19.

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“Vaccine is our way to mitigate the risk across the board. So now’s the time to start thinking about getting that vaccine.”

On Friday, B.C. recorded another 714 new COVID-19 infections, while 11 more people died as a result of the virus. The health officer also announced a province-wide mask mandate for children in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

“You can go home and visit with your Granny and Grandpa, your uncles or sisters who are immune-compromised — those people in your family that you need to protect from this virus.”

However, due to rising COVID-19 cases, those living in the Eastern Fraser Valley, Interior Health, or Northern Health are restricted to only allowing five additional people into homes, or one other household.