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

VPD investigates disturbing Downtown Eastside attack

The victim, a 22-year-old Downtown Eastside resident, was standing in front of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre at Columbia Street and East Cordova when he felt a sharp pain in his leg and realized he’d been shot. With an arrow lodged just below his kneecap, the victim walked a block to Insite, where staff gave first aid and called 9-1-1.

VPD investigates disturbing Downtown Eastside attack

Federal deficit hit $48.5 billion in July

The Finance Department's regular fiscal monitor says the budgetary deficit between April and July was just under $48.5 billion, down from the almost $148.6 billion recorded over the same months in 2020 when COVID-19 first struck.

Federal deficit hit $48.5 billion in July

Vote count could spill into weekend

Officials started counting mail ballots on Friday morning in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, a three-way battle between the NDP, Tories and Greens, according to Elections Canada. Votes tallied on election night from polling stations suggest the NDP have a narrow lead in the B.C. riding.

Vote count could spill into weekend

Some health triage has begun in Alberta: doctor

Parks said that in recent days some critically ill COVID-19 patients who should have been on ventilators were not getting them. That's on top of previously announced mass cancellations of surgeries, along with patient transfers, as doctors balance medical need with available space, he said.

Some health triage has begun in Alberta: doctor

Police look at new MP for alleged flyer tampering

George Chahal, a former city councillor, won the only non-Conservative seat in Calgary, edging out Conservative Jag Sahota in the riding of Calgary Skyview.

Police look at new MP for alleged flyer tampering

Meng Wanzhou reaches deal with U.S. prosecutors

Meng, who appeared in court via video link, answered most of Judge Ann Donnelly's questions with simple yes and no answers, all with the help of a court-appointed translator.