The increasing number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. has forced the province to undergo a two-week circuit breaker, but the restrictions are not as clear as they seem when it comes to the meaning of “immediate household” for people living on their own.
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced in a press conference on Saturday, Nov. 7 that social gatherings – indoors or in restaurants – of any size with anyone other than their immediate household are prohibited until Nov. 23.
Meanwhile, in a section of a joint media statement sent to the Richmond News, it stated people living alone can continue to see people in their "pandemic bubble at home."
When asked what “immediate household” members defined as for someone living on their own, Shannon Greer, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, said the term is defined as people you spend the most time with and those who are “physically close” to you.
“These would be people who are part of your regular routine so household members, immediate family, a close friend or the people you have regular close contact with,” said Greer in an email to the News.
For example, this includes a co-parent who lives outside the household.
While those who live alone cannot host gatherings, they can continue to see people who they consider part of their “immediate household” at home, outside or at a restaurant, Greer added.
She told the News that going out for a walk is not considered a social gathering, but British Columbians need to be careful that walks do not turn into a group of people gathering outside.
“We know this is difficult, but it’s only for two weeks. As Dr. Henry has said, British Columbians have flattened the curve before and they can do it again.”
- With files from Kirsten Clarke
