Health officials are urging British Columbians to celebrate the upcoming long weekend safely while continuing to abide by physical distancing protocols as Western Canada has seen a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada鈥檚 chief public health officer, said Tuesday (July 28) the increase is 鈥渟omething we must keep a very close eye on,鈥� and stressed Canadians must do their part by limiting social interactions.

鈥淭he fate of the flattening of the curve is still within each of our hands. If we don鈥檛 follow public health measures 鈥� have giant parties, crowds, not observing physical distancing or masking or hand hygiene in certain environments 鈥� then you are going to see this uptick.鈥�

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With top health officials urging residents to do their part, Premier John Horgan was out with masks in hand, reminding Greater Victoria residents to mask up when distancing isn鈥檛 possible.

Horgan, who is the MLA for the Langford-Juan de Fuca riding, took his old bus route, offering masks to BC Transit passengers between Langford and Victoria.

鈥淚 haven鈥檛 had as many chances to connect with people on my old BC Transit route, but I wanted to hand out some masks to make it safer and easier for people.鈦� Thank you to everyone doing their part,鈥� he wrote on his Facebook page.

BC Transit handed out masks at multiple Greater Victoria bus stops on July 20, part of a province-wide campaign, 鈥淭ogether We Ride,鈥� which encourages transit users to wear masks while on board buses.

鈥淭he tag line 鈥楾ogether we ride鈥� reminds riders that safety is a collaborative effort and endeavours to foster an environment where riders are courteous and respectful,鈥� stated BC Transit in a press release.

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