Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is implementing a one-day public health order for the first time this pandemic. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

covid-19 update

Province implementing one-day public health order for New Year’s Eve

Dec 30, 2020 | 3:17 PM

NANAIMO — Liquor sales are being banned after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to hopefully curb gatherings as 2020 comes to a close.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered the sale of liquor must stop at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The prohibition is in place from 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021.

Restaurants and pubs can stay open if they offer full meal service, but can’t serve alcohol after 8 p.m.

“We hear from restaurant owners people are very good at following the rules early on, and then once people start to get drinking later in the evening it gets much more difficult. Their inhibitions go to the wind and they’re much more likely to want to greet other people or table hop.”

Dr. Henry stressed the public health order isn’t designed to limit people from enjoying their New Year’s Eve within their bubble, but to hopefully prevent bubbles from bursting on New Year’s Eve.

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“People who want to go out and have a nice meal and drink is perfectly okay and safe. What we’re concerned about it people who want to stay out later, which leads to situations putting restaurant staff and patrons at risk.”

New COVID-19 cases were also detailed in Dr. Henry’s news conference.

There are 16 new cases within Island Health, which is higher than the average of nine new daily cases in recent weeks.

Across B.C., another 485 cases were discovered, though Dr. Henry did note the number of tests being done during the holidays is reduced.

There are 7,551 active cases in B.C., which is a slight drop from the day before.

At least 9,300 people are under active public health monitoring.

A further 11 people, predominantly seniors in long-term care homes, passed away.

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