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By Dave Barry

COVID-19

B.C., Alberta health ministers urge citizens to avoid Easter travel temptations

Apr 9, 2020 | 9:05 AM

VICTORIA/EDMONTON — The governments of British Columbia and Alberta have released a joint statement urging residents of the two provinces to stay home over the Easter long weekend.

“Albertans and British Columbians have deep and historic ties,” says the statement. “Many of us have family and friends on both sides of the border and enjoy visiting each other’s province.”

The statement urges people to avoid the temptation of visiting friends, family and recreational property. “This long weekend is different. These are extraordinary times. A global pandemic puts us all at risk — and we all must stay home, stay in our communities and stay at a safe physical distance from others when outside.” says the statement.

Adrian Dix, the minister of health for British Columbia, and Tyler Shandro, the Alberta health minister issued the statement Thursday morning (Apr. 9).

“Let us be clear: Staying home means no travelling — especially across our borders. Instead, we encourage everyone to find ways to connect virtually this long weekend, including by video chat or with phone calls.

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The statement echoes remarks made recently by lower levels of government throughout B.C.’s Interior. Last week authorities in Sun Peaks asked seasonal residents to stay away. Earlier this week the Cariboo Regional District and the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District issued similar messages.

Rural communities say their smaller hospitals don’t have the resources to deal with an influx of people who develop symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus.