By Canadian Press

British Columbia restricts travel in the province to fight COVID spread

Apr 23, 2021 | 11:05 AM

VICTORIA — Non-essential travel is being restricted between three regional zones in British Columbia to try and curb the spread of COVID-19.

The government is using the boundaries of three health authorities to prohibit travel between them.

The three regional zones are made up of: the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley; Vancouver Island; and the northern and Interior regions.

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, who is also the minister of public safety, says the new orders are being brought in using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act.

The order goes into effect today and expires on May 25.

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Farnworth says the order affects those who are travelling across regional zones for recreational purposes but it is OK to travel for essential reasons including to attend school or work, transport commercial goods, return to a principal residence, access child care, use health care or assist someone in obtaining health care.

He says the province is working with police to establish enforcement measures in the coming days.

Earlier this week, the National Police Federation said it has “grave concerns” about police taking part in enforcing a COVID-19 ban on non-essential travel.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2021.

The Canadian Press