National

B.C. to lift most COVID restrictions, but masks, vaccine rules remain

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Feb, 2022 02:52 PM

VICTORIA - British Columbia will drop capacity limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings including at sporting events, fitness centres, restaurants, bars and nightclubs starting tomorrow.

Join Premier John Horgan, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer, for an update on COVID-19. https://t.co/MwEoqstbXU
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) February 15, 2022

People will be allowed to dance and mingle in public spaces starting at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday but masks and the COVID-19 vaccine card will still be required at organized gatherings like weddings and sports tournaments.

Thanks to over 90% of British Columbians who have made BC one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world, several restrictions will be lifted starting February 17. BC Vaccine Card, mask requirements and COVID-19 Safety Plans will all remain in place. pic.twitter.com/sWER46wQF7
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) February 15, 2022

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says B.C. isn't out of the pandemic and officials know the virus could mutate into new variants that may evade immunity that has built up.

Mask requirements, the vaccine card, and restrictions at long-term care homes, schools and child-care centres as well as faith services are expected to be reviewed by March 15 and again by April 12, before the Easter weekend.

Immunization campaigns, including booster shots, will continue in B.C., where 90.5 per cent of residents over age 12 have received their second dose of a vaccine.

The province says it's ensuring a balanced approach to lifting restrictions, and that individuals and organizations can assess risks and make changes at their own pace, based on their comfort levels.

Henry says B.C. is one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world, and the decisions to lift the restrictions are based on the best science and data on what's happening in the province.

"We need to be ready to respond to the ongoing waves and troughs as we get through this next few months with our very high level of community immunity, and as we move into the next respiratory season in the fall."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

StatCan says economy added 157,000 jobs in Sept.

Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate would have been 8.9 per cent in September, down from 9.1 per cent in August, had it included in calculations Canadians who wanted to work but didn't search for a job.

StatCan says economy added 157,000 jobs in Sept.

Tam says reason for optimism in fourth wave fight

Dr. Theresa Tam said the efforts made to slow the spread where the virus is surging appear to be working. She said hard lessons must be learned about the risks of removing public health measures too soon, particularly in areas where not enough people have been vaccinated.

Tam says reason for optimism in fourth wave fight

RCMP union will support members who refuse vaccine

The Liberal government announced this week that core public servants, including members and reservists of the RCMP, must be vaccinated or face suspension without pay as early as Nov. 15.

RCMP union will support members who refuse vaccine

'I can't back down' on vaccine message: B.C. MLA

Politicians accustomed to sparring in British Columbia's legislature have joined forces outside the house to push for higher vaccination rates in the north, but a longtime member of the Opposition Liberals says the "Alberta influence" is a factor in a part of B.C. where intensive care units can't accommodate the influx of COVID-19 patients.

'I can't back down' on vaccine message: B.C. MLA

VPD warns public after woman attacked at bus stop

The victim, a 22-year-old South Vancouver resident, was waiting at a bus stop near Knight Street and East 57 Avenue on October 5, when she was approached by a stranger in a red puffy jacket with a fur-lined hood.

VPD warns public after woman attacked at bus stop

Break and enter suspect in custody after alleged assault

The man was arrested, and is currently in custody, with a court date on October 13, 2021. He is considered to be a prolific property crime offender. Police have recommended a number of charges to Crown for consideration, including assault causing bodily harm and break and enter.