The BC government is now restricting unnecessary travel between three regional zones within the province.
The provincial emergency program law is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“These measures can save lives above all, and it is in the best interests of all British Columbians to follow suit,” said Mike Farnworth, Secretary of Public Safety.
“There will be consequences if you don’t follow suit [them]. “
The government uses the regions of the provincial health authorities to set the boundaries of the zones.
The three regional zones are:
- The Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley (Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health Areas).
- Vancouver Island (Island Health).
- Northern and Inner Regions (Northern Health and Internal Health).
The British Columbia government uses the provincial health authority regions to define the boundaries of the zones. (CBC News)
Part of the Vancouver Coastal Health region north of the Sunshine Coast, which includes areas like Bella Coola, is now considered part of the combined North and Interior Regions, as is the District of Hope and the Central Coast, the government said Friday afternoon.
The province is also working with law enforcement agencies to put in place additional measures to ensure they are empowered to conduct regular roadside checks in and out of the defined regions.
“Violation of this order can result in a fine of $ 575,” said Farnworth.
CLOCK | If you have to ask about travel, you probably already have your answer, says Farnworth:
British Columbia’s Secretary of Public Safety Mike Farnworth says the province does not restrict essential travel between three regional zones within the province. He also urges residents to stay close to their home for the next five weeks. 0:53
Farnworth said the order affects those who travel through regional zones for recreational purposes. However, it is okay to travel for reasons that are deemed essential, such as:
- Go to school or work.
- Transportation of commercial goods.
- Return to a primary residence.
- Access to child care.
- Use of health care or assistance in obtaining health care.
“The new strains of variants are infecting more people and leading to record hospital stays, which are placing increasing strain on the frontline health workers who were there for us during this pandemic. To protect them and our communities we need to do more to discourage travel and with it to start enforcing restrictions on non-essential travel, “Farnworth said.
BC residents cannot book accommodations or campsites outside of their zone. The operators cancel bookings that have already been made.
BC Parks ensures that anyone who has booked a campsite in the province outside their zone receives a refund.
BC Ferries is no longer accepting bookings for recreational vehicles such as RVs and trailers – and the ferry service will also contact passengers who have already made reservations to ensure they are essential travelers. There will be no additional departures this year for the long weekend in May.
Local camping, hiking still allowed
“This arrangement is intended to ensure that people no longer traverse large parts of the province,” Farnworth said. “Go hiking, camping, but do it locally.”
Farnworth also said this is not the time for people from other provinces to travel to BC and that travelers between provinces will face the same consequences as residents.
“If you come to British Columbia from Alberta and decide to go to Vancouver now, you could potentially be fined,” he said.
To this end, the province is working with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to improve signage along the BC-Alberta border.
The formal order for the restrictions is in effect until Tuesday, May 25th, the end of the long May weekend.
Dr. Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry said the date was chosen because the province expects 60 percent of its adult population to be protected with a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Serious Concerns” about enforcement
“In the coming days we will continue to work with the police to take additional measures to ensure they have the necessary authority to conduct regular roadside checks … at strategic points in and out of the defined areas,” said Farnworth. He compared it to the provincial CounterAttack program, where police set up checkpoints to catch drunk drivers.
However, a group representing frontline RCMP officials has opposed the roadblocks, saying it is putting more pressure on limited resources and exposing officials to further risks and possible COVID-19 infections.
The National Police Federation released a statement Wednesday stating that there were “serious concerns” about police involvement in enforcing a COVID-19 ban on non-essential travel.
Concerns about expanded police powers
In a joint media release, 11 civil liberties, indigenous and community groups expressed concern about the government’s lack of consultation and use of police to oversee the new travel restrictions.
“Especially at a time of increasing public control over systemic racism in policing, it is alarming that we now have three public announcements in a week of increased police powers, but we still have no details on the scope of those policing powers,” said Harsha Walia from the BC Civil Liberties Association.
“After another year of police murders of indigenous peoples in BC and Canada, we are shocked that the province has decided to unilaterally expand the police force,” said Judy Wilson, Kukpi7 of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
Observe: The executive director of BCCLA has concerns about travel restrictions
Harsha Walia tells Power & Politics’ David Cochrane that she is concerned about BC putting travel restrictions in place without explaining how to enforce them. 6:20
Farnworth urged people who might be confused as to whether or not they can enjoy outdoor activities outside of their communities to just stay there.
“When you really have to ask if I should go to Chilliwack?” The answer is “no you shouldn’t if you live in Vancouver,” he said. “If you live on the north coast, this is your area. Stay in this area.”
