The latest batch of COVID-19 health orders are set to expire on Tuesday, but provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry isn’t letting slip which ones will be renewed.
Current restrictions in B.C. have forced the closure of gyms and fitness centres, cancelled indoor organized events, closed bars and nightclubs and placed seating limits on restaurants.
The province's top doc was asked repeatedly Friday whether any of those orders would be lifted Tuesday.
Henry said the orders were put in place at the outset of the Omicron wave while more information was gathered. But with modelling now showing that the wave may have peaked, the orders are being re-evaluated.
“We are in the process of looking at what is it that we need to do and what can we do to change these things and look at the restrictions that are in place, and are they needed anymore. I'll have more to say about that on Tuesday.
“We have always, from the very beginning, tried to put in as I call it, the least restrictive means,” she said.
Henry did say that the order requiring businesses to have COVID safety plans will be staying in place for the foreseeable future.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said public health orders are reviewed “every single day… and have been for months and months and months.”
With a great deal of attention placed on events and gatherings restrictions and those impacting gyms, Dix said the biggest sacrifice has been made by those who have had their surgeries postponed.
“I think that we have to put it in context, how seriously we take it and how sometimes you have to bring in measures in order in advance before they're effectively needed in order to make the changes that are required,” he added.
