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B.C. loosening restrictions on outdoor gatherings ahead of March break

No changes to restrictions on indoor gatherings
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B.C.’s top doctor says groups of up to 10 people will be able to gather outdoors effective immediately.

Those hoping to gather inside with groups beyond their own family bubbles will have to wait, though.

“This is slowly turning the dial, not flicking the switch,” B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said during a Thursday briefing.

She also revealed that restaurants and pubs would be facing additional restrictions on St. Patrick’s Day.

Sales of alcohol will be suspended from 8 p.m. March 17 through to 9 a.m. March 18 for consumption both on-site and off-site.

But Henry said there will be some “caveats” around meal provisions and how late bars and restaurants can stay open.

“That is really to protect the people who work in those businesses as well as make sure that we don’t have an explosive increase in cases,” she said.

More to come …

torton@biv.com

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