Many B.C. residents travelled on long weekend, regardless of message to stay home

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Some people still travelled this long weekend, despite being asked to stay home.

A man from Vancouver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he and his wife have been in Whistler, where he feels more isolated and safer.

“We’re the only people in the timeshare,” he said.

"It's important to have a sense of normalcy for your own mental health"

Earl's arguments for travelling:
•Good for mental health
•Can be done safely (maintain physical distance)
•Whistler timeshare is safer than busy apartment building
•Trip was already booked

— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) April 13, 2020

Neither of them felt sick, and he recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from others during the pandemic.

But, he added, it’s not good to be stuck in isolation for too long.

“It’s important to have a sense of normalcy,” he said, “for your own mental health, to be able to go out and do some things.”

Another man who travelled says he actually agrees with the province’s guidelines, because some people can’t be trusted.

But he feels he can be trusted, since he didn’t plan on making any stops en route to his cabin.

Regardless, B.C.’s top doctor was clear about travelling this long weekend.

“This is not a time to be going travelling,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said Saturday, “even if it’s to a summer home or a cottage.”

She was concerned about hospitals and grocery stores in smaller communities, and advised against travel to avoid putting unnecessary strain on them.

Despite calls to stay at home this long weekend, some BC Ferries took to the waters at full capacity this week.