Stay close to home this weekend, officials urge
Put the brakes on that weekend road trip. While it may be tempting to throw caution to the wind this Mother’s Day, government officials say we must stay the course a little longer.
Non-essential travel, even within B.C., is discouraged for a few more weeks, despite the gradual easing of restrictions and the reopening of some provincial parks next Thursday.
“For now, the best course of action for British Columbians is to stay close to home,” said a statement from the provincial government in response to a Postmedia News request. “We’re going to encourage people to expand their social connections with people in their community before we make any changes to non-essential travel between communities.”
People are encouraged to get outdoors, but to “stay local” until B.C. enters Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which could happen in June if there isn’t a surge in COVID-19 cases. The summer could see the reopening of hotels and campgrounds, which might also be the best time to “get to that second property.”
On Thursday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reminded people that B.C. hasn’t yet entered Phase 2, which will see hair salons, personal service establishments, museums, restaurants, cafés and pubs, art galleries, libraries, parks and beaches reopen with strict social-distancing guidelines.
“We are now in Phase 1 and continue to be in Phase 1,” she said. “That means we must continue what we are doing for a bit longer. That is important for us. We need to continue the measures that we are taking to bend our curve down and to get this under control.”
Phase 2 is set to begin after the Victoria Day long weekend, which is May 16-18.
On Friday, Henry urged people to avoid close physical contact on Mother’s Day, unless your mom lives with you. If you do choose to hug mom this weekend, you should avoid expanding your bubble to include any other households.
We should continue to practise social distancing with others outside our bubble, she added.
Several local governments issued warnings this week, hoping to tamp down some of the enthusiasm a sunny Mother’s Day weekend could generate.
White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker asked people to stay home and leave his city’s beach for locals. Parking lots and the pier remain closed.
Haida Gwaii residents recently held a peaceful demonstration near the ferry terminal telling tourists to return home.
Metro Vancouver also reminded people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly in order to keep parks open.
“It is up to all of our visitors to do their part and keep each other and our staff safe during this critical time," said Sav Dhaliwal, chairman of the Metro board of directors.
He asked people to visit parks in their own area, rather than travelling across the region.
B.C. Adventuresmart reminded hikers to be prepared with a trip plan, proper training and hiking essentials when venturing out on local trails, saying there was a 35 per cent increase in search-andrescue calls last week. In the week before Easter, there was a 50 per cent decrease.
“I think there’s a lot of people with pent-up energy out there,” said B.C. Adventuresmart executive director Sandra Riches.
“B.C. is a pretty healthy and active province, and people are used to being in a higher gear. They’re ready to get going.”