Translink CEO Kevin Desmond is holding a press conference right now. Desmond says the mandatory mask policy is in place to ensure travellers feel safe "so we can recovery ridership and be consistent with public health". #bcpoli#covid19bc
Desmond says bus drivers will not be asked to enforce the mask policy. #bcpoli#covid19bc
Desmond says in Montreal and Toronto they have seen 90% compliance of mask wearing with a mandatory policy with no enforcement. #bcpoli#translink
Desmond says right now about 40% of transit riders are wearing a mask. #bcpoli#translink
Desmond says 40% compliance is just not enough and Translink wants to do what it can to minimize community transmission. But this is also avoid increasing ridership. #bcpoli#covid19bc
Translink is worried people won't ride the system if they don't feel safe. #bcpoli#covid19bc
Desmond says we need to trust fellow riders. Doesn't want to see any harassment of riders towards those not wearing a masks for medical or other reasons. #bcpoli#covid19bc
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John Rustad was on with Jordan Peterson. Here is a summary of the first hour. #bcpoli
BC is vulnerable right now because we don't produce enough food here. Rustad says we produce only 1/3 of the food we consume. #bcpoli
Rustad is a strong proponent of BC's LNG industry and supplying gas to other counties. Conservative leader says we can't just focus on wind and solar. "We need to get to nuclear." #bcpoli
NEW - Flu vaccines will be available for the general population in BC starting on October 11, after the Thanksgiving long weekend. #bcpoli
The BC government is preparing for a surge in both COVID and flu in November and December.
The COVID-19 projections suggest up to 700 additional patients may require hospitalization in the coming months. There are currently around 350 people in hospital. #bcpoli
The influenza projections here suggest a peak of up to 1,200 additional patients may require hospitalization for a few weeks over the coming months.
The province is planning 1,500 more beds, if needed, through late fall into early spring. #bcpoli
David Eby's housing policy is massive and would mark a significant shift for the current government.
Here are some of the highlights including a BC housing flipping tax. #bcpoli#bchousing
The Flipping Tax would apply on the sale of a residential property. The tax rate goes down to zero the longer the property is held. #bcpoli
The tax will be highest for those who hold properties for the shortest period of time, and phases out after two years. The tax will include exemptions for life circumstances due to, for example, death, employment loss, divorce, or disability. #bcpoli
Alright, the people have spoken.
Here we go.
NEW - The fall booster COVID-19 campaign will kick off in BC this week. The bivalent vaccine will be available in more than 500 pharmacies across BC by the end of the week. #bcpoli
Health Minister Adrian Dix says 92% of British Columbians have received at least two COVID-19 vaccine doses. #bcpoli
NEW - Starting in October the province will be providing the bivalent vaccine for COVID alongside the flu shot. The flu shot can be booked through the Get Vaccinated campaign in the fall. #bcpoli
Here is a quick thread about BC Place/Vancouver playing host to World Cup 2026 games.
The expectation now is BC will find out next week if Vancouver will be allowed back into the bid book.
The sense is FIFA will give thumbs up to Vancouver. #bcpoli
Once Vancouver gets the thumbs up, that will mean 3 Canadian cities are being considered for 10 games.
Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver all want at least 4 or 5 games.
Making it work financially with 2 or 3 games is very tough. #bcpoli
Vancouver and Toronto are the FIFA favourites. Bigger cities, with greater international reach.
They have both been successful hosts for FIFA before for U20 and Women's World Cups. #bcpoli
NEW - British Columbia will NO LONGER be requiring vaccination in the extended health care system. The commitment has been paused and it is unclear if this may happen eventually. Instead employees must show vaccination status by March 31. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says this is based on consultation with the regulated health care professions. Mentions there has been a delay on Novovax vaccine arriving in BC. #bcpoli
Henry says there will be a 'measured approach' with each college. "This is different than our original vision." #bcpoli