This week we tentatively move into Step 2 of the B.C. government’s Restart Plan, which includes the lifting of travel restrictions within B.C., outdoor personal gatherings up to 50 people, playdates and indoor visitors up to 5 people or one household. At least until July 1 the wearing of masks is still mandatory in public spaces, and health officials remind people to continue using layers of protection such as frequent handwashing, getting tested if any COVID symptoms arise, respecting personal space, etc.

This afternoon the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reported 0 new cases of COVID-19 for the period of May 30 – June 5 for the Powell River Local Health Area (includes City of Powell River, qathet Regional District (minus Lasqueti), and Tla’amin Nation).

On Tuesday, June 1, B.C. health officials announced the encouraging news that for the first time since October, B.C.’s daily COVID case numbers have dropped below 200. Active cases of people infected with COVID (2,800) is the lowest since November. In addition, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to slowly decline, and many surgeries which had been cancelled due to hospital strain during third wave are now being rescheduled.