B.C.’s top doctor urges people to keep mothers safe this weekend

In a Mother’s Day message on Saturday, B.C.’s top doctor pleaded with the public to adhere to physical distancing measures as they mark the occasion today.

“Keep that safe distance. That is incredibly important,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s health officer, during a news conference in Victoria.

Her plea comes as summer-like weather led to sunbathers crowding Vancouver’s beaches to soak up the sun and heat.

“We know that this virus is still in our communities so it is important for us to continue these measures,” stressed Henry.

She urged people to take special care of mothers who are elderly or awaiting surgery, or have underlying illnesses, and recommended spending time outdoors with them at a safe distance if she’s not in your pandemic “bubble.”

“Avoid close physical contact even though we know how much we all need and want that,” Henry said.

“Honour all our mothers and elders by keeping them safe.”

Henry announced Saturday that B.C. has 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, boosting the total to 2,330 cases. Two more people have died from outbreaks in longterm care homes, increasing the number of deaths to 129.

Of the total cases, 871 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,098 are in the Fraser Health region, 125 are on Vancouver Island, 180 are in the B.C. Interior, and 56 are in the North.

There are 21 active outbreaks in the province, and 69 people are in hospital, including 21 in critical care.

Henry’s comments on continuing physical distancing measures come as outdoor enthusiasts packed Vancouver’s beaches Friday night and Saturday.

Photos showing large concentrations of people at Kitsilano Beach and Sunset Beach were posted on social media Friday sparking concern of another community outbreak.

Henry asked the public not to gather in large groups, saying the virus can spread even if they are outside where the risk is lower than indoors. She expressed confidence that most folks are trying to keep their distance.

“I think most people are doing the right thing. They may be in big groups but they are sitting apart from each other,” said Henry.

“Absolutely go outside but don’t congregate, maintain those distances . ... We are not yet safe from this virus.”