"What we need to do is stay local": Dr. Henry addresses spring break travel

Health officials in British Columbia say that despite easing outdoor restrictions, the rules surrounding travel “remains the same.”

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed potential spring break travel during an epidemiological modelling update on Thursday afternoon.

“What we need to do is stay local,” she explains. “Explore your local community, explore your region.”

Henry stressed that British Columbians should stick to their households and limit travel as much as possible. She noted that families, however, could participate in small excursions such as day trips, or visiting their cabin if they remain cautious.

“I do think over March break if you are a family and you’re going to your cabin and you’re self-contained, that’s okay.”

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Henry also explained that health officials have been looking at data from local areas, adding that British Columbians should be mindful before going anywhere.

“There are areas where we have a lot of transmission happening and we do not want those people to travel from those areas to an area of low-risk,” she says.

“And we don’t want people to visit an area that’s high-risk right now because those communities are trying to manage the outbreak.”

Henry stressed that going to high-risk areas “puts you at risk,” and that people then “bring that home.”

“We really need to stick to our household, stick to our limited travel.”

On Thursday, BC announced amendments to its province-wide gathering related COVID-19 orders. Henry said the orders have been amended to allow for outdoor social gatherings of up to 10 people.

Groups can gather at a park, beach, or the backyard of a residence — but indoor gatherings of any size are still not allowed.

People should also not be gathering in “groups of new people,” but rather should continue to stick to a single core bubble of individuals.