File: 20-12224
Victoria, BC – Patrol officers are reminding residents of Victoria and Esquimalt of the vital importance of “social and physical distancing” as a public health precaution after being called to a noise complaint about a house party last night.
Esquimalt Division Patrol officers were called to a report of a loud gathering at a suite in a home in Esquimalt just after 10 p.m. last night. When officers arrived, they discovered a group of people having a house party. Officers instructed the participants to go home due to the noise complaint and explained the dangers of such a gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the party-goers were undeterred, mistakenly believing their youth made them “immune” to the virus. No arrests were made.
Dr. Henry has also repeatedly emphasized the need for social and physical distancing as a key step in slowing the progression of the virus, thus preventing overwhelming the health system and unnecessary deaths.
A State of Emergency has been declared both in B.C. and nationally due to COVID-19. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has enacted several powers under the health act, including banning gatherings of more than 50 people, closing dine-in services at all restaurants and securing supply chains and vital supplies. Today, saw additional measures, including the closure of hair salons, massage therapists and tattoo artists. Both the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt have closed public buildings, cancelled public gatherings and closed playgrounds.
For more information on social and physical distancing and today’s health measures please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0101-000538
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