The provincial government has published a series of Dr.-Bonnie-Henry-approved guidelines for “good times” – just in time for the B.C. Day long weekend.
The online guide, called “Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide,” features a colourful, cartoon version of B.C.’s provincial health officer, and offers tips on how to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19.
The guide, unveiled Friday, appears to be geared towards young people.
“Good times have been linked to community outbreaks of COVID-19 in B.C.,” reads the online guide.
“People in their 20s to 40s have spread the virus to friends, families and strangers at house parties, bars, restaurants and more. Let’s help stop the spread.”
B.C. has seen an uptick in the number of daily COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, many of which have been tied to an ongoing outbreak in Kelowna stemming from private parties over the Canada Day long weekend. Last week, health officials said that nearly 1,000 people across all of B.C.'s five health authorities were in self-isolation due to the recent community exposures.
“We all love good times… Don’t get stuck in self-isolation for 14 days, or worse – get sick, because you shared beers at a party or made out with someone with COVID-19,” reads the guide, which also cautions that it’s not the time to “pass around drinks, smokes, tokes and vapes.”
The guide advises people to have a designated “contact keeper” – a person who will keep track of everyone at an event or gathering, including their contact information.
Other tips include staying outside, hanging out in small groups, keeping physical distance and paying attention to mental health, and staying home if you have even mild symptoms of the virus.
The guide also offers advice for how to safely “hook up” during COVID-19.
“Take a pass if your partner has any COVID-19 symptoms,” it reads.
“Use protection like condoms or dental dams to reduce transmission risks for COVID-19 and STIs.”
Read more from the Richmond News
