British Columbians reminded to follow COVID rules this Mother’s Day

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – Don’t expect police to be out in force breaking up Mother’s Day gatherings in the Lower Mainland, but departments across the region are reminding you that the public health rules still apply.

Surrey RCMP Cpl. Elenore Sturko says if you’re going to celebrate your mother on Sunday, consider doing it outside.

“It is still not allowed to have indoor gatherings, so take advantage of what appears to be becoming a nice day on Sunday and have those gatherings outdoors within the limits that are set under the current health order,” she said.

Under the public health order, up to 10 people can gather outdoors. People are discouraged from gathering with several groups of new people, and are reminded to maintain an appropriate physical distance.

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Mounties don’t have any specific plans for enforcement related to Mother’s Day, Sturko notes. However, she’s asking people do do their part to follow orders.

“We still continue to do proactive and reactive work here in the city,” she explained. “So proactively, we’re visiting businesses, doing patrols of park areas and other gathering points for people in the community, as well as responding to calls for service related to people’s concerns over possible non-compliance of public health orders.”

For the most part, she says people are following the rules. But British Columbians are reminded that people can be fined up to $2,300 if they’re caught hosting gatherings.

People who refuse to leave a gathering at the direction of an officer may also be fined up to $230.

British Columbians are also reminded that restrictions on non-essential travel are in place, meaning you are not to leave your health zone for non-essential reasons.