B.C.’s top doctor is urging people to keep up with physical distancing requirements with Mother’s Day tomorrow.

Dr. Bonnie Henry made those comments as she announced two new deaths and 15 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, for a total of 2,330 test positive cases so far. She says while B.C. has made significant progress against the virus, it is not the time to let up on measures put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Let’s show how much we care for [our mothers] by ensuring we are doing all we can do to ensure they are safe. Safe physical distance remains an important part of what we need to do right now in British Columbia to keep all of our mothers and our communities safe,” said Henry.

“This is a great weekend to spend time with her outdoors, keeping your safe distance.”

Henry says the precautions are especially important for people with a mother who is older, has an underlying illness, or has an upcoming surgery.

“We honour our mothers by keeping them safe,” added Henry.

Both deaths reported today were seniors in long term care for a total of 129 victims. There are 21 of 69 patients who are in currently in critical care in a hospital.

None of the 15 cases announced today were across Interior Health, which still has 180 cases. There have also been no new community outbreaks since yesterday, but Henry says the recovery rate has improved to 1,659 people – or about 71 per cent.

“As we are learning about this virus and ways to protect from it, we will find ways to allow that social contact without putting others at risk,” Henry said, noting that we are still at the end of the first phase of the pandemic.

“The risk of the virus is still very high. keep doing what you have been doing,” she added, noting that if conditions stay favourable, people will be able to expand their connections soon, as announced by the Premier on Wednesday.

And she’s reminding people to continue to avoid non-essential travel, to frequently wash your hands and to stay home if possible, especially if you are sick.