BC announces three-week "circuit breaker" emergency restrictions as COVID-19 cases surge

BC officials have announced three-week “circuit breaker” restrictions to curb surging COVID-19 cases in the province.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the new restrictions at a press conference this afternoon.

• See also: 
  • Whistler Blackcomb to close for several weeks due to rising COVID-19 cases
  • BC health officials announce suspension of indoor dining
  • BC health officials report 2,518 new COVID-19 cases, six more deaths since Friday

The three-week restrictions come into effect from midnight tonight and will be in place until April 19, 2021.

The restrictions include the following:

• Restaurants, bars, and pubs, all food and liquor-serving premises must be take-out only, except for patios. Those who dine on patios must do so with their immediate households only;
• Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are paused in gyms, fitness studios, and dance studios;
• Indoor worship religious services are suspended, despite last week’s announcement that they would be permitted over the next six weeks. However, outdoor services under the current guidelines may continue;
• Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort will be closed from now until April 19;
• Mask-wearing for students down to grade 4 is also now being encouraged in schools

Dr. Henry also recommended that when possible, workers should try to do so from home over the next few weeks.

The new orders come after cases in BC surged to 2,518 between Friday to Monday.

Henry said there were 936 cases reported from Friday to Saturday, 805 from Saturday to Sunday, and 774 from Sunday to Monday.

These are the highest case numbers since the height of the second wave, noted Premier John Horgan during today’s announcement.