Earlier this week, Premier John Horgan asked B.C.-raised Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Reynolds and Seth Rogen to help him encourage young people in the province to stop partying during the pandemic.
“This is a call out to Deadpool right now,” Horgan said. “Ryan, we need your help out here, get in touch with us.”
On Friday, the Deadpool star responded to Horgan’s plea in a tweet, stating: “I got your message about the thing. Look, I’m not sure it’s a great idea, frankly. People don’t want medical advice from guys like me.”
However, in typical Reynolds fashion, the Canadian actor joked that he could give advice about plastic surgery, because he “used to be Hugh Jackman.”
Reynolds underscored that many young people may not realize how many of their peers are getting sick from COVID-19 and that many of them are dying.
Reynolds continued to inject levity into the serious message by saying that his mom would also like to be out having fun on Kitsilano Beach, and that he hoped that young people in the province would keep both her and Canadian icon David Suzuki safe during the health crisis.
“I hope that young people in B.C. don’t kill my mom, frankly, or David Suzuki,” he said.
Have a look at his message to Horgan.
Called your office. Left a message. pic.twitter.com/CGp2IZagrD
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2020
With active COVID-19 cases at their highest in three months, Horgan hinted at a carrot-and-stick approach to getting British Columbians — and especially younger people — to heed health and safety guidelines.
Provincial health officials announced 85 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, the highest one-day total for the province since late April.
Horgan said if private house parties continue to contribute to the growing caseload in the province, enforcement will follow suit, with warnings escalating into more severe penalties.
Dr. Bonnie Henry said Thursday that people between the ages of 20 and 29 now make up the group seeing the largest increase of infections.
But she warned against demonizing all young people, adding that many are following public health guidelines.
Health Minister Adrian Dix also called on those planning on hosting large events this weekend to expect a visit from bylaw officers to ensure the 50-person limits are being followed.
"I have to say this, if you're thinking of organizing a party — especially one involving alcohol, where there's no specific limits on distancing that you're putting in place — you should not do so."
British Columbia has seen a rise in cases over the past week, reporting 85 and 78 new cases on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
The provincial government announced on Wednesday that 500 health-care professionals would be hired to help public health officials in contact tracing efforts.
— With files from Stefan Labbé and The Canadian Press
