BC tightens COVID-19 protocols after case surge, reminds holiday celebs should be minimum

As of Thursday, December 3, there are a total of 35,422 cases in B.C., with 9,103 of these being active. Compared to Wednesday, the cases increased by 694. Death toll in the province is nearing 500, at 481 because of the latest additional 12. Meanwhile, a total of 29,928 individuals have recovered from the virus. (Pexels photo)

It is already expected that the holidays this year will be different because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the British Columbian government stressed that through stricter measures.

As of Thursday, December 3, there are a total of 35,422 cases in B.C., with 9,103 of these being active. Compared to Wednesday, the cases increased by 694. Death toll in the province is nearing 500, at 481 because of the latest additional 12. Meanwhile, a total of 29,928 individuals have recovered from the virus.

Because of these rising figures and continuing trend, B.C. Premier John Horgan reminded British Columbians on how they should celebrate this season.

“We have to make sure we keep holiday celebrations to an absolute minimum,” he said on Wednesday, then discouraging people from non-essential travel.

No ‘team sports’

In addition to the holiday reminder, B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s order on gatherings and events was updated.

British Columbians are now banned from participating in adult team sports or “organized and structured activity involving a number of participants.” This includes basketball, cheerleading, combat sports, floor hockey, floor ringette, road hockey, ice hockey, ringette, netball, skating, soccer, curling, volleyball, indoor bowling, lawn bowling, lacrosse, hockey, ultimate, rugby, football, baseball,  and softball.