Premier says changes to B.C. restrictions still on track for Family Day weekend

B.C.’s premier says residents will likely find out about the fate of the province’s COVID-19 restrictions next week.

John Horgan told a media conference on Tuesday, the decision on relaxing the health orders is up to provincial health officer, Dr Bonnie Henry, and she has not informed him of what she plans to do.

“She has made it clear she has plans for Family Day (Feb. 21), which is coming,” said Horgan.

Horgan would not speculate on what changes Henry may make or when, but he is aware that the COVID numbers are improving, and residents expect fewer health orders..

“I have a vague idea based on hospitalizations being stable, cases coming down,” Horgan stated.

Three provinces announced plans today to relax their COVID restrictions.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the government will immediately start phasing out its measures. The first step will see vaccine passports to access non-essential businesses, such as restaurants and bars, end tonight at midnight.

Alberta will also remove a mask requirement for children under 12, including in schools, on Monday.

Saskatchewan will end its vaccine mandates and proof of vaccinations as of midnight Sunday, but indoor masking will stay in place until the end of the month.

The Quebec government will lift most restrictions by March 14 except for mask mandates and the vaccine passport system.

Horgan said the moves made by other provinces will not sway decisions made for B.C.

“We will follow the same path we’ve been on since the pandemic began and that is to follow the advice of health care officials to make sure were continuing to protect people.”

Horgan says pandemic staples like masks and workplace safety measures will continue for while yet.

“I will say that where we’ve had success is ensuring that workplaces have plans in place to protect workers and customers and that should continue beyond the pandemic.”

Horgan continues to defend the actions taken by B.C.

“I will put put our record up against all the other provinces, and outcomes have been better in terms of mortalities and impacts on the economy.”

Horgan said B.C.’s unemployment rate of 5.1 per cent leads the country, and has created more jobs than before the pandemic.

Dr. Henry normally holds her weekly COVID updates on Tuesdays, but didn’t have one today, possible due to the government’s throne speech being delivered. She and Health Minister Adrian Dix will hold the update at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9.