Thread by @Bernardo1130

#BREAKING 3 deaths, 817 new cases of #COVID19 since Friday in #BC with 77 patients hospitalized, including 26 in ICU.
Two schools have been closed because of outbreaks in #Kelowna and @Fraserhealth.
New community outbreak also at Surrey Pre-Trial Centre. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

#BREAKING New public safety order in #BC limits all family gatherings to residents of any household and no more than 6 extra people.
Dr. Henry again blames large family gatherings for surging numbers and promises “enforcement will be stepped up.”
#bcpoli @NEWS1130

Henry says many new clusters are linked to #Thanksgiving gatherings, so moving forward, she says NO #Halloween parties can happen or cultural and religious events.
She’s asking all community leaders to help her get this message out. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: masks, Henry says she’s not making them mandatory, but she is asking EVERYONE to voluntarily wear them where possible and she’s asking business leaders for support keeping their employees safe. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Taking questions, Henry denies crackdown timed to wait until election campaign wrapped up.
Since September 21st writ drop, 5000 more cases recorded in #BC.
Total count now is 13 371 with 10 734 listed as recovered.
That rate drops to 80.2% from 81.6 Friday. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: why not focus new orders only in @Fraserhealth region, Henry says transmission is happening everywhere because some people don’t think these orders apply to them, so everyone needs to understand 50 people limit doesn’t apply to family gatherings. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: increased enforcement, Henry says, yes, you can complain about neighbours having parties.
She repeats the risk goes up the more people are indoors and this pandemic could get worse this winter. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: possible political guidance/interference, Henry insists NO cabinet influence over independent decisions made by her and surging numbers since Thanksgiving make it clear stronger restrictions needed NOW. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: school closures linked to outbreaks, Henry says protocols in place are still working well and she doesn’t think making masks mandatory in schools will make a difference.
Re: play dates, no birthday parties with 20 kids and keep any gatherings small. #bced #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: updated protocols for wearing masks, Henry says we should all be wearing them anywhere indoors, except within your own home.
She says risk outdoors remains low, but if you are surrounded by too many people —YES! #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: push to get #BC to offer virus-detecting app available in other parts of Canada, Henry says —as it stands now— it won’t work here because it’s not effective enough. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: What about #Christmas and other religion-based celebrations/gatherings, Henry says risk is too high if you expect to have the same large gathering you had last year.

TRANSMISSION RATES ACROSS THE LOWER MAINLAND ARE TOO HIGH!

#bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re: weddings/out of control parties, Henry says “creep” level is too high, so try to keep everything outdoors.
She says venue operators are struggling to keep guest numbers in check because, again, too many people (#COVIDIOTS) don’t think ORDERS apply to them. #bcpoli @NEWS1130