B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer wants people to not be gathering in groups, even though her orders still permit gatherings of up to 50 people.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says even groups of two people can lead to the spread of COVID-19 to others in the community.

“We need to connect virtually. We need to have a safe space between us. That includes celebrations and ceremonies,” she said. “They are times that we may expose those who are most vulnerable in our community, our elders, our seniors, and people who are more at risk because of their underlying medical conditions.”

Henry is calling on community leaders to step up across the province.

“Our faith leaders, our spiritual leaders, our community leaders [need] to come together virtually to protect those in our communities over the coming weeks,” Henry added. “It is very important…that we have a safe space between us to stop the transmission of this virus.”

“We have to be kind, we have to be calm and we have to continue to be safe.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix previously told NL News that he’s not sure if the restrictions will be increased, but said there’s “no chance” they are eased any time soon.