Republished June 15, 2020 - 6:00 PM
Original Publication Date June 15, 2020 - 4:56 PM
VICTORIA - British Columbia's COVID-19 restrictions are under further review this week, but the limit on gatherings to a maximum of 50 people will not change, says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry said Monday she is pleased with the results of B.C.'s reopening for schools and some businesses, but there is no official date for moving into the next phase, other than it is being considered this week.
"Maybe," she said at a news conference when asked about moving to the third phase this week.
"We're continuing to watch, looking at the numbers. But, you know, it's not yes, we're in phase three. It's a gradual increase of the things that we're doing."
Restaurants, hair salons and personal services including dentist offices and physiotherapy clinics were permitted to reopen on May 19.
Schools in B.C. have been open on a reduced attendance schedule since June 1.
The next phase of the government's reopening plan would include film and television productions, movie theatres, spas, hotels, resorts, overnight camping in parks and travel.
Henry said any easing of the restrictions this week would be on a lighter scale, which she described as a dimmer switch. Any further lifting of the restrictions also should not be interpreted as a sign there is no longer a COVID-19 resurgence threat, she added.
"Saying that we're in phase three does not mean we have licence to stop our physical distancing," she said. "It doesn't mean that we're stopping our hand washing and covering our cough and staying home if we're ill. It does not mean, in any way, and I've said this a number of times, that gatherings can increase."
Henry reported 36 new COVID-19 cases in B.C. since Friday and no additional deaths. The province has a total of 2,745 cases and 168 deaths.
Henry said 2,395 people have recovered from COVID-19.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2020