Coronavirus: Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people allowed in B.C., St. Patrick's day alcohol sales ordered to cease early

British Columbia continues to see high COVID-19 numbers.

In an on-camera press conference this afternoon (March 10), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said 569 more cases of the virus were detected during the past 24 hours, bringing the grand total to 86,219.

Of the new infections, Northern Health added 60 for an updated authority total of 5,045 since March 14, 2020.

Officials announced three additional deaths linked to the virus today, bringing the province's toll to 1,397.

Provincial total - 86,219
New Northern Health, region total - 60/5,045
Active B.C. - 4,912
Public monitoring B.C. - 8,900
Hospital B.C. - 244
ICU B.C. - 68
New deaths, total B.C. - 3/1397#bcpoli #COVIDBC #COVID19BC #COVID19 #bced #cityofpg @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 11, 2021

There are currently 4,912 active cases throughout B.C. with 244 people in hospital, 68 of which are admitted in ICU or critical care.

A total of 79,829 cases are officially classified as recovered.

Henry also made amendments to public health orders this afternoon, allowing outdoor gatherings with up to 10 people.

"The provincial health officer order on gatherings and events has been amended to allow for outdoor gathering for up to 10 people," she said.

"This means your children can have a play-date with their friends for the March Break, but with their same group of friends, and if they're in school, the group of friends that they're in a cohort. So, you can meet friends outside and have a coffee, have a chance to have a connection, have a picnic in the park with your with your grandparents."

She stressed that all public health orders must be followed and all indoor gatherings are still banned.

Public health measures/orders have to be followed. Indoor gatherings are all still banned. #bcpoli #COVIDBC #COVID19BC #COVID19 #bced #cdnpoli #cityofpg @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 11, 2021

Henry also tightened restrictions on alcohol service for St. Patrick's Day.

She amended her order for food and liquor service establishments "so that liquor sales for on-site, and off-site consumption must cease between 8 p.m. on March 17 until 9 a.m. on March 18th."

She said there will be "some caveats around full meal provision," and when restaurants must close, similar to restrictions put in place for New Year's Eve.

A similar order was put in place on Halloween as officials feared large group gatherings and alcohol consumption.

*Important* With the amendment to the public health order on social gatherings in B.C. where you can meet up to 10 people, they MUST BE THE SAME 10 PEOPLE. You can't change them. #bcpoli #COVIDBC #COVID19BC #COVID19 #bced @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 11, 2021

In education, the up-to-date list of northern B.C. schools marked for a COVID-19 exposure event is as follows:

Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - March 1-3, 2021
Ecole Roosevelt Park Community School (SD52) - March 2-5, 2021
Hart Highlands Elementary (SD57) - March 1, 2021
Mount Elizabeth Secondary (SD82) - March 1, 2021
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - March 1-3, 2021
Houston Christian (Independent) - March 1-3, 2021
Houston Secondary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
Twain Sullivan Elementary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
Silverthorne Elementary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
Annunciation School Prince Rupert (Independent) - March 1-3, 2021
Skeena Middle (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
Thornhill Primary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
Ecole Mountain View Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
Nechako Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Mount Elizabeth Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Kildala Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Feb. 26, March 1-2, 2021
Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 23-26, 2021
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Hazelton Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 25, 2021
Skeena Middle School (SD82) - Feb. 22-26, 2021
Sk'aadgaa Naay Elementary (SD50) - Feb. 19, 23, 2021
Kildala Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 24, 2021
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Energetic Learning Campus - Fort St. John (SD60) - Feb. 22-24, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 16-19, 22, 2021
Skeena Middle (SD82) - Feb. 22-23, 2021
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Feb. 22-23, 2021
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 19, 2021
Annunciation School - Prince Rupert (Diocese of Prince George) - Feb. 17-19, 22-23, 2021
Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary - Hazelton (SD82) - Feb. 17-19, 22-24, 2021
Conrad Elementary (SD52) - Feb. 11-12, 2021
Fort St. James Secondary (SD91) - Feb. 17-19, 2021
Chief Matthews School - Old Massett Village (Independent) - Feb. 17, 2021
Notre Dame School (Private) - Feb. 16-18, 2021
Sk'aadgaa Naay Elementary (SD50) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Gidgalang Kuuyas Naay Secondary (SD50) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 16, 2021
Dawson Creek Secondary - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Ecole Frank Ross Elementary (SD59) - Feb. 16, 2021
Kispiox Community School (Independent) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Lac des Bois Elementary (SD57) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Spruceland Traditional Elementary (SD57) - Feb. 10-12, 2021
Kispiox Community School (Independent) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Feb. 16-17, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 11, 2021
Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Feb. 11-12, 2021
Margaret Ma Murray Community School (SD60) - Feb. 17-18, 2021; Feb. 11-12 and 16, 2021
Chief Matthews School - Old Massett Village (Independent) - Feb. 12, 2021
Ecole Central Elementary (SD60) - Feb. 9-12, 2021
Charlie Lake Elementary (SD60) - Feb. 8, 2021
Duchess Park Secondary (SD57) - Feb. 9-12, 2021
Crescent Park Elementary (SD59) - Feb. 2, 3, 10, 2021
Dr. Kearny Middle (SD60) - Feb. 11, 12, 2021
Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Feb. 11-12, 2021
Cedars Christian (Independent, Prince George) - Feb. 10-12, 2021
Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 2-5, 2021
Dawson Creek Secondary - Central Campus (SD59) - Feb. 8-9, 2021
Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Feb. 8-9, 2021
Cedars Christian - Prince George (SD57) - Feb. 8, 2021
Conrad Elementary (SD52) - Feb. 4-5, 8, 10, 2021
Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Feb. 3-5, 8, 2021
Heather Park Elementary (SD57) - Feb. 10, 2021
Spruceland Traditional School (SD57) - Feb. 8-9, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 8-10, 2021
Pacific Coast School (SD52) - Feb. 4, 2021
Giscome Elementary (SD57) - Feb. 4, 2021
Dawson Creek Secondary - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Feb. 5, 8, 2021
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 3-4, 2021
Bear Valley School (SD82) - Feb. 2-4, 2021
Skeena Middle (SD82) - Feb. 2-4, 2021
Thornhill Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 2-3, 2021
Cassie Hall Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 5, 2021
Thornhill Primary School (SD82) - Feb. 1-3, 2021
Suwilaawks Community School (SD82) - Feb. 2-4, 2021
Charles Hays Secondary (SD52) - Feb. 8, 2021
Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Feb. 1-3, 2021
Tremblay Elementary (SD59) - Feb. 2, 2021
Cedars Christian - Prince George (Independent) - Feb. 1, 2021
Conrad Elementary (SD52) - Feb. 3, 2021
Pineridge Elementary (SD52) - Feb. 3, 2021
Port Edward Elementary (SD52) - Feb. 1, 2021
Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Jan. 26-29, 2021
Heritage Elementary (SD57) - Jan. 26, 2021
Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 25-27, 2021; Jan. 28-29, 2021
Duncan Cran Elementary (SD60) - Jan. 28-29, 2021
Decker Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 22-26, 2021
Notre Dame in Dawson Creek (Private) - Jan. 25, 2021
Fraser Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 25, 2021
Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 20-22, 2021; Jan. 26-27, 2021; Jan. 27-29, 2021
Gudangaay Tlaats'gaa Naay Secondary (SD50) - Jan. 22, 2021
Heritage Elementary (SD57) - Jan. 20-22, 2021
Nak'albun Elementary (Independent) - Jan. 18, 2021
Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Jan. 19-21, 2021
Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 20-21, 2021
Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Jan. 8, 2021; Jan. 12-13, 2021
Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Jan. 13-15, 2021
Houston Secondary (SD54) - Jan. 13-15, 2021
Fort St. James Secondary (SD91) - Jan. 15, 2021
Nak'albun Elementary (Independent) - Jan. 11-14, 2021
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Jan. 12-13, 2021
DP Todd Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 4-6, 2021; Jan. 11-12, 2021
Chalo School (Independent, Fort Nelson First Nation) - Jan. 5-7, 2021; Jan. 6-8, 2021
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Jan. 4, 2021; Jan. 11, 2021; 13-14, 2021
Clearview Elementary-Junior Secondary (SD60) - Jan. 7-8, 2021
Centennial Christian - Terrace (Independent) - Jan. 11-12, 2021
Houston Secondary (SD54) - Jan. 11-13, 2021
Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Jan. 11, 2021
Conrad Elementary (SD52) Jan. 11-13, 2021
Prince Rupert Middle (SD52) - Jan. 8, 2021
Lax Kxeen Elementary (SD52) - Jan. 7-8, 12, 2021
Decker Lake Elementary (SD91) - Jan. 4-6, 2021
Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 6-7, 2021
Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Jan. 4-6, 2021
McNaughton Secondary (SD28) - Jan. 6-8, 2021
Valemount Secondary (SD57) - Jan. 6, 2021
Skeena Middle (SD82) - Jan. 4, 2021
Ecole Central Elementary (SD60) - Jan. 4, 2021
Mountain Christian (Independent) - Dec. 18, 2020
- Dec. 18, 2020 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
Cedars Christian - Prince George (Independent) - Dec. 14-16, 2020
- Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30, 2020
Bert Ambrose Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 17-18, 2020
- Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
Sacred Heart Elementary (Diocese of Prince George) - Dec. 10-11, 2020
- Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Skeena Middle (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
- Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
- Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
- Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Ecole Mountain View Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 7-11, 2020
- Dec. 1-4 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Smithers Secondary (SD54) - Dec. 11, 2020
- Dec. 11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
Margaret Ma Murray Community School (SD60) - Dec. 7-11, 2020; Dec. 14-16, 2020
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25
- Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30
Alwin Holland Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 14-17, 2020
- Dec. 14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Dec. 14-17, 2020
- Dec. 14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31
Bert Bowes Middle (SD60) - Dec. 14-16, 2020; Dec. 1-4, 2020; Dec. 17-18; Nov. 16, 18-20, 30, 2020
- Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 30, 2020
- Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
Pinewood Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 14-15, 2020; Dec. 14-18, 2020
- Dec. 14-15 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
- Dec. 14-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
Southridge Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 10, 2020
- Dec. 10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - Dec. 10-11, 2020; Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
- Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
Heather Park Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 1-2, 3, 4, 7-8, 2020
- Dec. 11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
Westwood Elementary (SD57) - Dec. 9; Dec. 8, 2020
- Dec. 8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
- Dec. 9 = Self-monitoring endedDec. 23, 2020
St. Mary's Catholic School (Diocese of Prince George) - Dec. 8-11, 2020; Dec. 7-10, 2020; Dec. 3-4, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020
- Dec. 7-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec 24, 2020
- Dec. 8-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec.25, 2020
Mountain View Christian Academy (Independent) - Dec. 8-10, 2020; Dec. 7-8, 2020
- Dec. 7-8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
- Dec. 8-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
Thornhill Primary School (SD82) - Dec. 4, 7-11, 14-17, 2020
- Dec. 4, 7-11,14-17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 2020
Walnut Park Elementary (SD54) - Dec. 9-10, 2020; Dec. 13-15, 2020
- Dec. 9-10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
- Dec. 13-15 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 7-11, 2020; Dec. 1-2, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
- Dec. 7-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
College Heights Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 10-11, 2020; Dec. 17-18, 2020
- Dec. 10-11 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 25, 2020
- Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
DP Todd Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 1 and 2, 2020
Dawson Creek Secondary - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Dec. 8, 2020; Nov. 16-18, 2020; Sept. 23-25, 2020
- Dec. 8 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 22, 2020
Smithers Secondary (SD54) - Dec. 7 and 10, 2020
- Dec. 10 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 24, 2020
Fort Nelson Secondary (SD81) - Dec. 7, 2020; Oct. 15-16, 2020
Ecole Central Elementary (SD60) - Dec. 2-3, 4, 2020
Nak’albun Elementary (Independent) - Dec. 3-4, 2020; Nov. 22-25, 2020; Sept. 16-18, 2020
Suwilaawks Community School - Terrace (SD82) - Dec. 1-2, 3-4, 2020; Nov. 27, 30, 2020
Kitwanga Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1-3, 2020
Prince George Secondary (SD57) - Dec. 1-3, 2020; Nov. 18, 2020; Oct. 2, 2020
Margaret Ma Murray Community School (SD60) - Dec. 1-4, 2020; Nov. 23-26, 27, 30, 2020
Uplands Elementary (SD82) - Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 30, 2020
Fort St. James Secondary (SD91) - Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 19-20, 20-26, 30, 2020
Veritas Catholic School (Diocese of Prince George) - Nov. 30, 2020
Anne Roberts Young Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 30, 2020
Bert Ambrose Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 30, 2020
David Hoy Elementary (SD91) - Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2020; Nov. 25-26, 2020; Sept. 17-18, 2020
William Konkin Elementary in Burns Lake (SD91) - Nov. 16, 23-24, 23-27, 2020
Energetic Learning Campus in Fort St. John (SD60) - Nov. 16-20, 23-27, 30, 2020
Peden Hill Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 12-17, 17-20, 24-27, Nov. 30, 2020
Centennial Christian in Terrace (Independent) - Nov. 23-26, 2020; Dec. 14-16, 2020
- Dec. 14-16 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 29, 2020
North Peace Secondary (SD60) - Nov. 10, 12-13, 16, 19-20, 24-26, 2020; Dec. 16-17, 2020
- Dec. 17-18 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 2020
Sacred Heart Elementary (Diocese of Prince George) - Nov. 25-27, 2020
Charlie Lake Elementary (SD60) - Nov. 23-24, 16-26, 2020, Dec. 14-18, 2020
- Dec. 14-18 = Self-monitoring ended Jan. 1, 2021
Ecole College Heights Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 19-20, 20-24, 2020
Beaverly Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 23-24, 2020
Foothills Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 23, 2020
Lakes District Secondary (SD91) - Nov. 23, 2020, Dec. 17, 2020
- Dec. 17 = Self-monitoring ended Dec. 31, 2020
Chetwynd Secondary (SD59) - Nov. 13, 2020
Van Bien Elementary (SD57) - Nov. 9-10, 2020
Ron Brent Elementary (SD57) - Oct. 30, 2020
Hudson's Hope Elementary-Junior Secondary (SD60) - Oct. 26-Nov. 4, 2020
Immaculate Conception School (Diocese of Prince George) - Oct. 21-23, 2020
Roosevelt Park Elementary (SD52) - Oct. 21-22, 2020
Notre Dame in Dawson Creek (Private) - Oct. 13-14, 2020
Quesnel Junior Secondary (SD28) - Sept. 10-11, 15-18, 2020
Ecole Frank Ross Elementary (SD59) - Sept. 10-11, 2020

Northern Health's school-exposure section explains the following:

Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with
We identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days
Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact
- Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact
Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community

- With files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver