In Dr. Bonnie Henry’s live update today, she announced that over a period of 3 days there were a total of 817 new cases. She emphasized how a lot of those cases come from indoor social gatherings and households, with some connected to Thanksgiving weekend. However, there are 4 new long term care outbreaks and 3 deaths are linked. The updated numbers today bring the number of active cases to over 2,000 in the province and over 5,000 in isolation. This is the first time the numbers have reached its peak.

Cough — Courtesy of Pixabay

Since there has been record-breaking days in the past month, Dr. Henry is aware of the upcoming season. Respiratory season is almost here and Dr. Henry says, “We can see now that the virus is harder to control in colder weathers.” Halloween is right around the corner and Dr. Henry assertively encourages everyone to not have indoor parties this weekend. A new order is put in place for household gatherings to be limited to immediate family members and your, “safe six.” This means that if you have a large family, consider not expanding your bubble at all. She hopes that this new order will deter the amount of parties, weddings and post-funeral gatherings.

Jack o’ Lantern — Courtesy of Pixabay

If you are planning to do something for Halloween, don’t do it inside. It may be cold but for everyone’s safety, limit yourself to small group outsides. “This is not a time for adults to be having indoor parties, and now there is an order to enforce this,” Dr. Henry reiterates. Although masks are not an order at this moment, it is an expectation to be wearing one especially in public spaces. BC’s Provincial Health Officer believes that if we all do our part, and help our own communities that we can all get through the winter together.