B.C.’s top doctor says people should not gather outdoors right now, but also indicates the province won’t change an order that allows outdoor gatherings.

As of March 11, people have been allowed to meet in groups of up to the same 10 people, per public health restrictions.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says there is still a risk of spreading COVID-19 outdoors, but she says it’s less of a risk.

“It’s about finding those ways to do it more safely. There’s no zero risk right now. We’re seeing this virus being transmitted in lots of places. I do think it’s important for us to go outdoors. I think all of us should be going outdoors everyday, and make sure that’s part of how we keep ourselves together through this never-ending pandemic it seems,” she says.

“It’s an opportunity for people to have those important social connections in a way that reduces the risk. But it should be the same small group of people that you can meet outdoors, keeping your distance. And if you’re closer together, wear a mask.”

Henry had been asked by NL News on the topic, after remarks made during Thursday’s briefing that seemed to contradict public health orders.

“Even if we can see people outside our household, we shouldn’t right now. And if we do, it needs to be the same, small, group of people. We know that outside is lower risk. It’s not zero, but it is lower risk. So have that small group of people that you meet with, that you need, to support you.”

The province reported 1,205 new cases on Thursday, and records were set for active cases (10,052), hospitalizations (409) and intensive care unit patients (125).

New modelling yesterday also shows B.C. is on track to hit 2,000 cases per day later this spring if contact trends stay the same, and possibly closed to 3,000.