Premier John Horgan warns tighter enforcement is coming to those who refuse to follow British Columbia's COVID-19 restrictions.
Horgan says B.C. has shown itself to be more successful in managing the virus than some of its neighbours, such as Alberta, but the small portion of people who refuse to follow public health restrictions is jeopardizing the health of others.
Watch live: I'm providing an update on measures to keep people safe, healthy and secure through the pandemic.https://t.co/544efuHiW1
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) December 15, 2020
B.C. saw 2,146 new COVID-19 cases over three days ending Monday, along with 49 deaths.
The premier says the province will be cracking down on those who refuse to follow the rules over the next few weeks and will ensure that those who break the restrictions are punished.
Hosting or visiting people from different households is prohibited with few exceptions this holiday season.
Worship services and community events have been suspended, along with high-intensity group fitness and indoor and outdoor sports for those 19 and over.
"This is serious, this is not a lark. This is not something we do lightly. Those who do not want to obey the rules the rest of us are following will have to pay the consequences," Horgan said during a media availability on Tuesday.
Horgan said he understood the desire to gather with family members and friends during the holiday season but urged British Columbians to refrain from doing so.
"I hope that those who are anxious and disappointed that they won't be able to gather with family this holiday season … that they will keep in mind that the sacrifices that they are making may keep people alive down the road," he said.
B.C. received its first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Monday, and it was due to be administered later Tuesday.