COVID-19

Joint Statement from Alberta and BC on social distancing

Health officials for Alberta and B.C. have issued a joint statement regarding the importance of social distancing over the long weekend.

Although long weekends are traditionally a time for gathering together with friends and family, the Ministers of Health from both provinces emphasized that this long weekend is different.

In the joint statement issued on April 9, 2020, the Ministers noted that these are “extraordinary times” as Canada remains at a critical point for flattening the curve. The statement encouraged residents of both provinces to stay home, maintain an appropriate social distance when outside and to avoid travel this long weekend:

“Spending a holiday away from people we care about is difficult – but what we are doing matters. Together, we are helping slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Let us be clear: Staying home means no travelling – especially across our borders. Instead, we encourage everyone to find ways to connect virtually this long weekend, including by video chat or with phone calls.

“Thank you all for doing your part, and a special thanks to the many faith leaders who have found innovative ways to virtually celebrate important holidays like Passover, Easter and Ramadan with their congregants. 

“Please continue to make every effort to protect loved ones, our Elders and our health-care workers.

“Now, more than ever, we need you to keep it up.”

Employers and employees are reminded that it remains important for the coming weekend to maintain social distancing and to continue to avoid crowded places and gatherings to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

From all of us at Harris & Company, we wish you and your families a safe and healthy long weekend.

For more information, please contact Sari Wiens, Ilan BurkesNicole Toye, or Jessica Fairbairn.


Note to our Readers: Information regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. We are working to bring you up-to-date articles as the legal issues develop and to keep our previous posts updated. Given that the legal issues related to COVID-19 are constantly changing, if you are looking for legal advice or are dealing with an issue in relation to COVID-19, please contact your Harris lawyer or a member of our COVID-19 response team: Sari Wiens, Ilan BurkesNicole Toye or Jessica Fairbairn.

To read our most recent articles and other updates on COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Updates page.