Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
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
  • B.C. to lift most COVID restrictions, but masks, vaccine rules remain

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

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.

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."

MORE National ARTICLES

2 men arrested and 3 stolen vehicles recovered with Alberta license plates

2 men arrested and 3 stolen vehicles recovered with Alberta license plates
February 1st was a busy day for the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team, making 2 separate arrests and recovering 3 stolen vehicles. At about 10:30 am, IMPACT members spotted a vehicle with Alberta licence plates, driving in Surrey, B.C.

2 men arrested and 3 stolen vehicles recovered with Alberta license plates

Illegal Alberta border blockade in its fifth day

Illegal Alberta border blockade in its fifth day
Mounties were prepared to make arrests Tuesday at the Coutts crossing but backed off when there were safety concerns. Cpl. Curtis Peters says some vehicles left peacefully but others, including tractors, sped through police roadblocks to join the blockade.

Illegal Alberta border blockade in its fifth day

More provinces set to loosen COVID restrictions

More provinces set to loosen COVID restrictions
More provinces say they are preparing to loosen COVID-19 restrictions in the coming weeks, even as virus-related hospitalizations remain high. British Columbia's provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said gathering restrictions will begin to slowly be eased later this month.

More provinces set to loosen COVID restrictions

Multiple shots fired at a Surrey home

Multiple shots fired at a Surrey home
Evidence suggest that a person or persons associated to the previous owners may have been the intended target. The investigation is ongoing and police are working to identify the suspect(s).  This shooting is believed to be targeted however not linked to lower mainland gang conflict.    

Multiple shots fired at a Surrey home

Erin O'Toole loses leadership review vote

Erin O'Toole loses leadership review vote
Erin O'Toole has lost a vote to remain leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.  The party's members of Parliament met virtually today to cast secret ballots after about one-third of them signed a notice that triggered a leadership review.

Erin O'Toole loses leadership review vote

Canada's groundhogs disagree on weather forecast

Canada's groundhogs disagree on weather forecast
Nova Scotia's celebrity groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, and Quebec's Fred la Marmotte both predicted a long, cold winter ahead, while Ontario's Wiarton Willie claimed an early spring is on the way.

Canada's groundhogs disagree on weather forecast