"The last few months have challenged our province in ways we never would have expected," Premier - Premier John Horgan said. "Whether it's Gurpurab, Chanukah, Christmas or New Year's Day, celebrating will have to look different this year. But during this difficult time, people in diverse communities all over B.C. have found new ways to stay connected while staying apart."

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA - Premier John Horgan reached out to faith leaders from around the province to encourage British Columbians to limit in-person celebrations during upcoming religious and cultural celebrations and over the upcoming holiday season.

Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, have regularly engaged with faith leaders during the pandemic and thanked them for their renewed commitment to stopping the spread of the virus.

As the second wave of the global pandemic has led to rising COVID-19 case numbers, recent outbreaks from family gatherings are a reminder to remain vigilant.

"The last few months have challenged our province in ways we never would have expected," Premier Horgan said. "Whether it's Gurpurab, Chanukah, Christmas or New Year's Day, celebrating will have to look different this year. But during this difficult time, people in diverse communities all over B.C. have found new ways to stay connected while staying apart."

Recent Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations served as an example to all British Columbians, as families took in virtual gatherings and online events instead of large in-person gatherings and festivals.

"The actions that Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in B.C. took to avoid in-person gatherings for Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas helped save lives and protect the most vulnerable," Premier Horgan said. "There will be a time when we can all come together again like we did before. Until then, thank you to everyone for doing their part. Together, we're showing that we're stronger when we come together in common purpose."

Religious in-person gatherings and worship services are suspended under the new order. 

For example:

 Do not attend a service at a church, synagogue, mosque, gurdwara, temple, or other places of worship

Religious services can continue using remote or virtual attendance options, like Zoom or Skype.

You can still visit your place of worship for individual activities. For example:

 Contemplation or personal prayer

Meal preparation as part of a religious service

PHO order on province-wide restrictions

By order and direction of the PHO, all individuals, places of work and businesses in B.C. must significantly reduce social interactions and travel. 

The order is in effect from November 19, 2020 at midnight to December 7, 2020 at midnight.

Social gatherings and events

No social gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or core bubble. For example:

Do not invite friends or extended family to your household 

Do not host gathering outdoors

Do not gather in your backyard

Do not have playdates for children

All events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended. For example:

Galas

Musical or theatre performances

Seasonal activities

Silent auctions

Core bubble

For most people, their core bubble is their immediate household. An immediate household is a group of people who live in the same dwelling. For example:

If you have a rental suite in your home, the suite is a separate household

If you live in an apartment or house with roommates, you are all members of the same household

For others, including people who live alone, their core bubble may also contain a partner, relative, friend or co-parent who lives in a different household. This should be a maximum of two people outside of those living in your immediate household.

People who live alone

For people who live alone, a core bubble is a maximum of two people you see regularly. They cannot host gatherings. 

University students

Welcoming your child home from university is okay. This is not a social gathering.