This holiday season many were looking forward to finally embracing the opportunity to gather with friends, family, and loved ones in celebration – especially after last year’s social gathering restrictions limited in-person get togethers. But with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, BC’s health officials have announced new public health restrictions which will once again impact and restrict how British Columbians celebrate this holiday season.

BC is facing yet another surge in the number of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. In its recent modeling information, the BC government showed that daily infections could reach up to 2,000 per day within a mere six weeks – soon making this variant the dominant one in BC. Omicron is also known to be highly transmissible, spreading more easily indoors, even causing infections in people who are vaccinated or have previously been infected. It’s why Canadians have received a blanket warning against non-essential international travel and why British Columbians are now facing new public health restrictions.  

So as we head into yet another unusual holiday season, let’s make sure we’re continuing to do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe by:

  • Limiting the size of our indoor personal gatherings to household members plus 10 guests or one additional household (as long as everyone aged 12 and up is vaccinated)
  • Continuing to wear masks and double-layer ones that provide more protection
  • Cancelling all non-essential international travel
  • Vaccinating everyone who is eligible, including children and those who are eligible for their booster

And during what can already be a challenging time of year, the uncertainty and unsettling nature of yet another surge in COVID-19 cases and another a new variant can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and discouragement. Here are a few suggestion to help keep your mood elevated during the holiday season:

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  • Acknowledge this is yet another unusual holiday season and it’s ok to continue to celebrate differently than in past years.
  • Make special memories by driving through neighbourhoods looking at the beautiful lights and decorations or by creating special in-person holiday events with a small group of family or friends or larger groups via Zoom for FaceTime.  
  • Take some me time by getting outside for fresh air and exercise or staying indoors reading or listening to your favourite music.
  • Do something nice for others – not only does it make us feel good, it can also help add a little perspective. So, shovel the sidewalk of your elderly neighbour, drop off holiday goodies on your friends’ and families’ doorstep, donate to worthy charitable causes, and spread holiday cheer to people you pass on the street, in your hallway, or at the grocery checkout.
  • If you know someone who is on their own or is having a troubling time, reach out to say hi – sometimes a simple phone call out of the blue can brighten someone’s darkest days.
  • And If you feel you need help, reach out to a friend or family member, or to your family doctor. They will all want to help.

Above all else though remember that people across BC – across the world – are dealing with the ongoing pandemic and the hardships that come with it. We’re in this together and the steps we continue to take today to protect our loved ones and countless others will help get us to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays!