Premier Horgan expressing gratitude to health-care workers after protests outside some hospitals in B.C.

BC Premier John Horgan is expressing his gratitude to health-care workers after protests outside some hospitals in the province.

The provincial government will require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 later this month from residents participating in non-essential activities, such as visiting restaurants, gyms and movie theatres.

Demonstrations against the government's approach on COVID-19 outside hospitals prompted Horgan to issue a statement in support of health-care workers, calling them ``the true heroes'' throughout the pandemic.

Kathy MacNeil, president and CEO of the Island Health authority, says some workers at health-care facilities were verbally abused as they came to and from work, and at least one staff member was physically assaulted.