Vancouver Police say they're "aware" of planned anti-lockdown protests

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says they are aware of anti-lockdown protests planned for this weekend.

On Sunday, November 22, a “No New Normal” protest and march are scheduled for to take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

A poster for the event says it will begin at 1:00pm.

A media spokesperson for VPD says officers will be on site “to respond if anything should arise.”

On Thursday, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a number of new province-wide health measures intended to stop the rise of COVID-19 cases in BC.

Under the new restrictions, no indoor or outdoor gatherings can be held with people outside your household, and community gatherings of all sizes are banned.

Indoor HIIT, spin, and yoga classes are not allowed, and masks are now mandatory in all retail and indoor public spaces.

Health officials have also asked that people postpone non-essential travel.

The new restrictions will be in place until at least December 7.

BC health officials announced 516 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, November 20. The province has now seen 25,472 cases since the pandemic began.

They also reported 10 new COVID-19-related deaths, for a total of 331 deaths in British Columbia.