List of things you can do now
VICTORIA – British Columbia’s provincial health officer announced easing of COVID-19 restrictions while maintaining key protective measures to support the health and safety of all British Columbians.
While keeping the BC Vaccine Card, indoor masking requirements and COVID-19 safety plans in place, the provincial health officer will lift restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments as of Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time). Capacity limits will return to normal.
“The last two years have challenged us like never before. But British Columbians have shown we can overcome anything if we work together,” said Premier John Horgan. “By following the science and looking out for each other, we are now in a position to carefully ease many COVID-19 restrictions. Our balanced, common-sense approach is based on the best advice from Dr. Henry – it will allow us to get back to many of the things we love and businesses to operate safely.”
There will be no limit to the number of people you invite to your homes. But Dr Henry said, “You will make your own decisions based on the risks you and your family will have for who you have over into your home.”
All the events and gatherings will return to full capacity. “Because of the amount of immunity and protection we have due to vaccines, events and gatherings will return to full capacity,” she said.
With more than 90% of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, British Columbia will transition to a sustainable COVID-19 management plan focusing on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk. The decision to ease restrictions is based on a careful review of data by the provincial health officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
“These changes are taking effect after careful review of where we are in this pandemic, and the credit goes to all British Columbians for their action to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “We will continue to rely on what is happening in B.C., science and evidence to guide our next steps in this journey to protect people from COVID-19 while safely easing restrictions.”
Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15, and again by April 12.
What’s changed
Personal gatherings return to normal
Organized gatherings at full capacity
Indoor seated events at full capacity
Fitness centres, adult sports, dance centres at full capacity
Restaurants, bars and night clubs to operate at full capacity, no table limits
Dancing allowed
Restrictions that remain in place:
• Masks in indoor places
• B.C. Vaccine Card
• COVID-19 safety plans required at businesses
• Long-term care visitation requirements
• K to 12 and childcare guidelines
• Faith community guidelines
• Restrictions on child and youth overnight camps
• Industrial camp order
Life is all set to return to normal but indeed it will be a new normal since we will still be wearing masks and have to show vaccine cards.
