BC officials will address gathering ban extension next week

British Columbians will have to wait until December 7 to find out if public health orders banning gatherings will be extended, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday.

The current restrictions, which were put in place for two weeks on November 19, ban all in-person events in the province — including private gatherings in one’s home.

“We will be waiting out the period until Monday to make a decision about what we need to do,” Henry said during her December 2 news conference.

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British Columbians are only supposed to socialize with those in their immediate household right now, which includes those living in the same residence plus key social contacts such as an intimate partner, a co-parent, or a close friend for those living alone.

Many are curious whether the gathering restrictions will be extended so they can better plan their Christmas and other holiday celebrations this year.

But with BC still reporting hundreds of new COVID-19 infections every day, it’s not clear when the gathering restrictions will be lifted.