Thursday March 25, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., editor | Island Social Trends
If you organize or host a gathering that contravenes Dr Henry’s public health orders, the fine is still $2,300.
But if you promote or attend such a gathering, the fine has more than doubled — effective today that’s now $575 (up from $230).
This was announced today by Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a news release around 10 am.
This increased enforcement comes as the COVID case counts remain stubbornly high in BC (e.g. 716 new cases yesterday, 737 last Friday).
The fine for not wearing a mask in an indoor setting remains at $230.
So far there have been 1,525 tickets issued to date (in total for breaking the social gathering and event ban or not wearing a mask).
More details within the BC Government page about violation tickets during COVID.
Serious infection at any age:
Serious illness due to COVID infection is now being seen in younger people — even in their 30s — as the older population becomes vaccinated. “COVID is a vicious enemy,” says Health Minister Adrian Dix, as the virus will continue to find human hosts in which to reproduce.
The goal of public health is of course to achieve herd immunity (generally thought to be at least 60 to 70% immunization coverage) as explained over the past year by Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry.
===== LINKS:
On December 16, 2020, enforcement measures were expanded.
Details here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0108-002083
On November 24, 2020 a mask enforcement order was introduced in BC under the EPA, requiring masks for people over the age of 12 in public indoor settings, unless they are exempt. Details here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960
For information on all recent orders and guidance, as well as general COVID-19 information for all British Columbians, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Tourism industry personnel helping out at immunization clinics (March 24, 2021 | Island Social Trends)
Locations of Island Health immunization clinics: Island Social Trends article on the clinic rollout March 7, 2021 | direct link to Island Health clinic location list (will have regular updates)
BC CDC COVID-19 dashboard (updated Monday to Friday)
