"Dance party" held on Kitsilano Beach as COVID-19 hospitalizations soar (VIDEO)

The same day that COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a record-high in British Columbia, crowds of people gathered for a “dance party” on a Vancouver beach.

Video shared on social media appears to show Kitsilano Beach packed with people on Friday evening, complete with blaring music.

“Kits Beach on April 16,” someone can be heard saying off camera. “This is happening.”

⁦Dance party at Kits Beach yesterday sigh… @LizaYuzda⁩ ⁦@CBCtanya⁩ ⁦@keithbaldrey⁩ pic.twitter.com/uCF41fmFU2

— Walter Wells (@WalterWellsRltr) April 17, 2021

Provincial health officials announced 1,005 new COVID-19 cases and six additional virus-related deaths on Friday afternoon.

Currently, 425 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus in BC, 127 of whom are in intensive care.

• See also:
  • BC “discouraging” outdoor gatherings even though they’re still allowed
  • Hospitalizations hit record high again as BC reports 1,005 new COVID-19 cases
  • Park Board rangers to enforce public health orders at Vancouver parks this weekend

In a statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry urged people to “be purposeful” with who they see, and asked that they stick with a small, consistent group of close contacts.

“We have to remember that while being outside with others is much lower risk than being inside, it is not without risk,” Henry said.

“Let’s all do our part this weekend so we can stop the spread and put COVID-19 behind us.”

To date, BC has seen 117,080 COVID-19 cases and 1,530 deaths.