BC’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is considering forcing restaurants in the province to shut down.

She says most bars and entertainment venues likely won’t be able to meet the 50-person limit on public gatherings, but thinks restaurants and cafes could “possibly” maintain separation of people, or switch to take out and delivery orders only.

“It is very much challenging, and I know it’s going to be hard on businesses, it’s going to be hard on people, not being able to congregate. But those are things that we feel are important right now to get us through this next period of time,” Henry said.

“And we well be re-evaulating them and getting things going again as soon as we can. But right now, we need to take these extra precautions.”

Like health professionals across Canada, Henry says she is encouraging people not to congregate in large groups.

Bars, clubs, concert halls, and other entertainment venues have been ordered to close in Quebec, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Ontario’s top medical official recommended similar measures on Monday.

Late Sunday, the governor of Washington state announced a statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Similar measures have been announced in New York City and Los Angeles.

The city of Vancouver also ordered all downtown bars and restaurants in the central core to close on St. Patrick’s Day today.

“Just stay home and drink your Guinness, listen to the Pogues, and next year, we can all celebrate together,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart, on Monday.

Dr. Henry and BC Health Minister Adrian Dix will have an update on the COVID-19 situation in the province at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

– With files from Victor Kaisar