As B.C. looks forward to increasing economic activity in the coming weeks, some questions remained about how people can start to expand their social circles in a safe way.
Phase 2 of returning to partial pre-COVID normalcy (which begins after Victoria Day long weekend) includes British Columbians being allowed to hang out with two to six people outside their immediate households — something everyone has been looking forward to after several weeks of isolation.
See also: B.C. economy, social interactions will partly resume mid-May with new guidelines in place
On Thursday, Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed the difficult question of how to increase interactions with family and friends while still keeping risks of COVID-19 transmission low.
Public health officials have advised everyone to continue to maintain physical distancing, but that does not extend to people who you include in your new, extended social circle.
“Hug your grandparents, hug your friends, those you’ve chosen to be in each other’s bubbles. Hug your family and your household everyday. Especially hug your teenage sons and daughters,” she added.
However Dr. Henry also cautioned people to be mindful that the contacts of those who they include in their social circle will also be linked by extension.
Therefore B.C. residents whose immediate contacts include people over the age of 60, immunocompromised people, those with an underlying chronic medical condition, or anyone awaiting surgery, are asked to remain in isolation.
It is also known that the novel coronavirus is less likely to be transmitted outdoors, where there is more of an ability to maintain physical distancing.
Dr. Henry used BBQs with neighbours as an example of a summer activity that can take place in Phase 2 of the province’s reopening plan.
“We’ve all been so conscientious to be doing our bit, but it’s also important to have connections, particularly with our families,” she said.
So in summary, here’s what we know:
- Keep your social “bubble” small.
- It’s okay to hug family and friends within your new extended social circle.
- Stay isolated if your household has someone who is at higher risk of contracting a serious case of COVID-19.
- Outside is better than inside.
As a reminder, people should not start to expand their social circles just yet.
Dr. Henry says some may have been jumping the gun after yesterday’s announcement, but it is still important to maintain physical isolation until after May long weekend in order to allow time for public health to continue monitoring transmission rates and keeping them at a steady level.
