Do B.C.’s new COVID-19 rules let me drive to my cabin?
Posted April 27, 2021 5:00 am.
Last Updated May 3, 2021 2:12 pm.
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Question:
Kathy: “We have a cabin in the interior of B.C. It is out of town and we would have no contact with locals, as we would be bringing all of our supplies with us. Are we allowed to travel from the [Lower] Mainland to our property, as we would not be crossing any border? We were vaccinated 2 weeks ago.”
Answer:
Kathy shouldn’t be headed out to her cabin anytime soon.
B.C.’s new travel restrictions prohibit non-essential travel outside their region – and come with a $575 fine if you’re caught.
The new measures will be in place until May 25, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday.
The province initially said travel outside one’s health authority would be banned, but Farnworth said it has combined the Northern and Interior health authorities, as well as the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser regions.
“For all regions, people will be able to travel within their region, or combined region, in which they reside, but not out of their region or combined region or combined region,” he said. “This order is to ensure that people stop traversing large parts of the province.”
While the orders do not prevent someone from travelling from one end of their region to another – such as from Chilliwack to Squamish – Farnworth said he strongly urges people to stay much closer to home.
“Our message on travel has not changed: Do the right thing and stay within the areas that you live,” he said.
Read more: B.C. restricts non-essential travel until May 25, fines to be issued for violations
But that doesn’t mean Kathy and her family have to remain cooped up at home. They can still hit up their local parks and hiking trails or even go camping, as long as they don’t stray too far.
We know this virus needs people to transmit and that people travelling outside their communities increases COVID-19’s ability to spread. The surest path to the success of these measures is voluntary compliance.
Farnworth said the province will provide more details next week detailing how the new travel restrictions will be enforced, including roadside checks.
For all regions, people will be able to travel within their region, or combined region, in which they reside, but not out of their region or combined region or combine region. This order is to ensure that people stop traversing large parts of the province.
