COVID-19 in B.C.: No open bars, nightclubs, gyms, or dance studios—or organized indoor social events—for four weeks

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      The B.C. government has taken dramatic action to stem the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

      Today (December 21), it announced that gyms, fitness centres, dance studios, bars, and nightclubs will all be closed, effective 11:59 p.m. on December 22. The provincial health officer's order will keep them closed until 11:59 p.m. on January 18.

      In addition, Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered an end to all organized indoor social events and gatherings of any size.

      It came on the same day that B.C. posted a record number of cases over a 24-hour period. There were 1,308 new COVID-19 infections, lifting the number of active cases to 6,348 in B.C.

      B.C. also limited tables to a maximum of six people in restaurants, cafes, and pubs if there is appropriate physical distancing or barriers separating them.

      Theatres, concerts, and sports games can only have 50 percent capacity, regardless of the size of the venue.

      The new/active cases include:

      • 419 new cases in Fraser Health
        • Total active cases: 2,024
      • 525 new cases in Vancouver Coastal Health
        • Total active cases: 2,326
      • 138 new cases in Interior Health
        • Total active cases: 695
      • 23 new cases in Northern Health
        • Total active cases: 186
      • 202 new cases in Island Health
        • Total active cases: 1,116
      • one new case of a person who resides outside of Canada
        • Total active cases: one

      In the last 24 hours, one more person died from the disease, increasing the number of fatalities to 2,403 since March 2020.

      There have been 756 cases of the highly contagious Omicron variant, with Vancouver Coastal Health leading the way at 413 cases. Island Health has 204 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, Fraser Health is at 129, Interior Health has eight cases, and Northern Health has two.

      Due to increasing pressure on acute-care facilities, the Ministry of Health will postpone non-urgent scheduled surgeries beginning January 4.

      “I know everyone is looking forward to being around their family and friends this holiday season after two challenging years," Henry stated. "These restrictions balance the need for people to come together with the people they love with the need to collectively act to slow the spread of COVID-19.

      "We know how to get through this—by following the same measures we’ve followed in the past to protect each other.”

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