As COVID-19 case numbers continue to surge to record levels in British Columbia (and across Canada), B.C. health officials have repeatedly asked everyone to avoid indoor gatherings, which have been driving transmissions.

However, police discovered one such social gathering taking place during a wellness check in Downtown Vancouver. 

The Vancouver Police Department stated today (April 7) that it received a call from the public on the evening of April 2 to ask for a check on the well-being of an 18-year-old woman in a downtown apartment building.

The caller reported that the woman had been drugged.

Officers arrived at the apartment to find about 20 people inside the suite, attending what appeared to be a party.

When police went inside the apartment to find the woman, one guest began yelling profanities and allegedly attempted to punch the officers. Officers arrested this individual for assaulting a peace officer and was taken into custody.

Officers located the woman unharmed.

Police issued several violation tickets to those present at the gathering in the apartment, including a $2,300 fine to the host.

B.C. Solicitor General and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth had announced that the province was increasing the fines for individuals attending or promoting a prohibited gathering from $230 to $575, as of March 25.