British Columbia health officials have clarified a sweeping new COVID-19 health order aimed at curbing a surge in new cases in the Lower Mainland.
The order, issued Saturday, bans social gatherings with people not a part of one’s household, indoor group physical activities and sports where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
The order does not ban, but “strongly encourages” people not to travel outside the region.
But the definitions of “social gathering” and “household” sparked significant confusion among many British Columbians.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health clarified that “social gathering” means any recreational gathering with others — whether they be inside a private residence or elsewhere.
That means no picnics in the park or other group outdoor activities.
“Going for a walk is not considered a social gathering, but British Columbians need to be vigilant that a walk does not turn into a group of people meeting outside,” said the ministry in a statement.
But late Sunday, Vancouver Health issued its own update on the issue further muddying the waters, suggesting outdoor gatherings are still permitted if they follow previous public health guidance.
While restaurants are permitted to stay open, the order means Lower Mainland residents should not be dining out with members outside their household, according the Ministry.
“The Provincial Health Order in effect (dated Nov. 7) applies to social gatherings inside private residences, & receptions following weddings & funerals,” stated the health authority.
“All other outdoor gatherings can continue according to pre-existing Public Health guidelines & previous Orders.”
However, the ministry also clarified what it meant by “household.”
“These would be the people you spend the most time with and are physically close to. These would be people who are part of your regular routine so household members, immediate family, a close friend or the people you have regular close contact with (for example a co-parent who lives outside the household),” said the statement.
“Those who live alone cannot host gatherings, but can continue to see members of what they would consider their immediate household (as described above) at home, outside or at a restaurant.”
The order — which applies to the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions — is the first in B.C. to target a specific region, and will remain in place until noon on Nov. 23.
It excludes the Central Coast, Bella Coola valley and Hope. The province initially said the Sunshine Coast Regional District had been exempted, but updated that position Sunday afternoon.
You can find more details of the order here.
The order came following weeks of surging case numbers in the Lower Mainland that officials linked primarily to indoor social gatherings.
British Columbia recorded more than 500 cases per day on Friday and Saturday, the vast majority of them in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
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