After four months of restrictions on social gatherings, health orders in the province have been amended to allow social gatherings outdoors in groups of up to 10 people, effective immediately.

“It is important after all these months to focus on some of the things we can do safely,” Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry said. “Outdoors is where we need to focus right now.”

“We can spend time with a maximum of ten people, the same people – outside but smaller continues to be better. And if you’re going to see others, it has to be outside.”

Henry made this announcement on the one year anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic. She also reported 569 new cases of the virus, 26 of which were in Interior Health.

“Our recipe and our plan for the next few weeks in straightforward,” she added. “We need to keep using our layers of protection, particularly in those environments where we know this virus spreads and takes advantage.”

Those measures include physical distancing from people not in your household. As well, kids are being told should to stick to their same school cohorts, meaning no sleepovers with friends over spring break, though you’re able to spend time outdoors, close to home.

“We need to find ways to find connections that are outside,” Henry said. “This is slowly turning the dial. It’s not flicking the switch.”

“Now is the the time that we need to reach out again. We need to remember each other. We know that this has been hard particularly on our seniors and elders. Connect with them by staying apart and keeping them safe. Connect with the young people in your lives. Remember how important it is to hold them close.”

All events and social gatherings had been banned across British Columbia since November.

As well, Henry says liquor sales at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the province will end at 8 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 – similar to how it was on New Year’s Eve.