If you're confused about the province's current COVID-19 restrictions, it would appear you aren't alone.
While provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has repeatedly stated that all events and social gatherings are suspended, multiple people have expressed confusion around gatherings specifically.
Additionally, some locals aren't clear about where they can travel to, despite the health order barring everything except for essential travel across regions.
A Reddit thread posted earlier this December continues to see questions from British Columbians who wonder if they can visit their parents on Christmas, travel to another health authority to dine, or even where they can ski.
The thread is entitled "The megathread for "hey /r/Vancouver is this non-essential travel?" or "Am I allowed to travel?" questions" but people have shared questions about a variety of things unrelated to travel, too.
At the time of this writing, the thread has 251 comments and has been up-voted 113 times.
Should I stay or should I go?
At the top of the thread, Reddit user Lukeweizer asks "Probably stupid question, but am I allowed to go from North Van to Burnaby to get takeout food? That would be a different health region and therefore not allowed, correct?"
The responses to the question were as varied as the day as long, ranging from "that's banned" to "just do it bro." However, both answers are incorrect.
While travel between health authorities should be avoided, there isn't a "ban" on travel. That said, the advisory states that non-essential travel should be avoided.
What is essential travel?
Individual circumstances may affect whether a trip is considered essential or non-essential. Essential travel within B.C. includes:
- Regular travel for work within your region
- Travel for things like medical appointments and hospital visits
Open to interpretation?
Reddit user Vancouver_MTB asks, "Are these travel-related restrictions recommendations or legit rules?"
While there may not be an outright ban on travel, they are legitimate B.C.-wide restrictions. In other words, there isn't any enforcement regarding travel, but it is absolutely a legitimate recommendation that will slow the spread of COVID-19 in the province and save lives.
As for anyone who plans to throw a massive house party on New Year's Eve or invite their long lost cousins to dinner on Christmas Day, the public health order on gatherings is clear and enforceable.
The order is in effect from Nov. 19, 2020 at midnight to Jan. 8, 2021 at midnight.
British Columbians caught flouting COVID-19 restrictions and deemed guilty will immediately be sent to collections, the Province announced last week.
