Photo: BC Gov Flickr

BC Health Minister Adrian Dix

As some local governments in B.C. call for the suspension of non-essential travel across the Alberta border, provincial governments in both Victoria and Edmonton have released a joint statement urging people to stay home. 

"Albertans and British Columbians have deep and historic ties. Many of us have family and friends on both sides of the border and enjoy visiting each other's province,” said B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Alberta Minister of Health Tyler Shandro.

"A typical long weekend is something we look forward to throughout the year. It's a chance to spend a little extra time with our loved ones, often in gatherings or on trips out of town.

"This long weekend is different. These are extraordinary times,” the statement continues, urging everyone to stay at home during the global pandemic."

The statement acknowledges spending a holiday away from loved ones may be hard, “but what we are doing matters,” slowing 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.”

Dix and Shandro thanked faith leaders for pivoting to virtual ceremonies for holidays like Easter, Passover and Ramadan. 

"Please continue to make every effort to protect loved ones, our Elders and our health-care workers,” they said. "Now, more than ever, we need you to keep it up."