Posters that have popped up in several communities on the Island claiming all COVID-19 restrictions in Canada have ended are “misinformation at its finest,” says an RCMP spokesman.
The posters falsely state that as of March 1 people no longer need to wear masks, practise physical distancing and limit the number of people in indoor spaces. They also claim plastic barriers are no longer required and all travel restrictions are lifted.
Island Health said in a statement the information on the posters is not true and existing provincial health officer orders and guidelines remain in effect. B.C.’s pandemic restrictions, prohibiting gatherings and requiring mask-wearing in indoor public spaces, are in place indefinitely.
The posters claim “Canada returns to normal life” and all businesses can return to normal.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has information about who put them up.
“People who don’t follow the provincial health authority’s daily updates may feel that’s the case, and may end up following that direction, which is absolutely not the case,” said Cpl. Chris Manseau.
The posters have been spotted in several communities in the Comox Valley and as far south as Parksville.
