B.C.’s top doctor is telling people to be careful about how they expand their social circles, after a spike in cases in the Fraser Health region, linked to a recent family gathering.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says at least 15 recent test positive cases were linked to a gathering of around 30 people that took place both inside and outside.
“That is a warning sign to us all, and its not that somebody intentionally brings that into their community, to their loved ones, to their family,” she said on Tuesday.
“This is something that we have been seeing around the world, that that is one of the most common ways it gets transmitted, its the people that we are closest to, and spend time with.”
Back in May, Henry said her ban on gatherings of more than 50 people would stay in place for the foreseeable future, noting that smaller gatherings can happen, if people maintain proper physical distancing.
“These are the things that we’ve been talking about – still maintaining distance,” she added.
“Not sharing food, in terms of having buffets, but the most important thing is the time that we spent in close proximity to somebody within that one to two metre radius, even if it is outside, it is still risky.”
Henry says the gathering highlights the importance of keeping your social circles as small as possible, even as the province eases COVID-19 restrictions.
“We go back to the basics that we need to remember – maintaining our safe distances and keeping our bubble small right now,” added Henry. “This will be something that will need to continue so that we don’t get these explosive outbreaks that can potentially happen, and it is why I’ve been so fussed about limits on gatherings.”
She issued guidelines last month on ways that social groups can safely expand. Among other things, Henry says to consider making a pact with friends or neighbours about limiting the size of newly shared social circles.
As well, hugs and kisses with people outside of our bubbles should remain off-limits, Henry said.
She made those comments while announcing 10 new cases, and no deaths across British Columbia, noting that the pandemic is far from over.
