Today Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the total number of cases from the 4-day period covering the Labour Day long weekend.

From Friday to Saturday there were 123 new cases. From Saturday to Sunday, 116. From Sunday to Monday, 107 and from Monday to Tuesday there were 83 new recorded cases, bringing the total number of positive tests over the long weekend to 429.

The Interior recorded nine new cases, bringing the total number of cases up to 460.

Two new deaths were recorded, both in long term care homes.

Dr. Henry, who has called the recent growth in cases the “second ripple” of COVID-19 within BC, warns that we must reduce our social interactions, even as British Columbians return to work and school.

“As we get back to work for many people and back to school for many people, it is the time for all of us to cut back on our social interactions,” said Dr. Henry.

This is what we all need to do now to reduce our risk of contracting COVID-19 for ourselves and for everyone around us, keeping our household contacts and our controlled work and school groups safe means having fewer contacts with other people, particularly people we don’t know.”

To further facilitate a reduction in these social interactions, Dr. Henry issued a new order closing all nightclubs and banquet halls.

“I am amending my order on bars, nightclubs and banquet halls,” said Dr. Henry.

“Effective today all nightclubs and all stand-alone banquet halls are ordered closed until further notice. In addition, liquor sales in all bars, pubs and restaurants must cease at 10 p.m. and these venues must close at 11 p.m. unless they’re providing full meal service, in which case the meal service can continue but not serve alcohol.”

Dr. Henry also ordered that all music and background noise in restaurants and similar venues be no louder than the volume of regular conversation, to reduce shouting, speaking loudly or closer face to face interaction which can lead to the spread of the virus.