New 'circuit-breaker' restrictions announced for Northern B.C. as COVID-19 surge continues
CTV
B.C. health officials have announced a host of new, stricter regulations for residents of the eastern part of Northern Health.
Health officials are implementing new COVID-19 restrictions for B.C.’s Northern Health authority, which include strict limits on gatherings and closure of bars and nightclubs.
The announcement came Thursday during a press conference with Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The restrictions, which will be in place until Nov. 19, comes as the northern rural health region is seeing a spike in cases and high transmission, with hospitals being overwhelmed.
“Personal gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, will be restricted to fully vaccinated people only,” Henry said.
“If you are unvaccinated or have unvaccinated people in your households, then you need to stay with your household only.”
The restrictions apply to the entire Northern Health Region with the exception of the local health areas west of Kitwanga, including Terrace, Kitimat, Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Stikine, Telegraph, Snow Country and the Nisga’a areas. That’s because transmission is lower in these areas due to high vaccination rates, Henry said.
Henry said she hopes the new, temporary measures will allow people to gather for the winter holidays.
