British Columbia is tightening public health restrictions as it also introduces enhanced rapid testing and booster shot programs to fight the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant.
Starting at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday Dec 22nd, bars, nightclubs, gyms, fitness centres and dance studios will have to close, and all seated events will be reduced to 50 per cent capacity.
Indoor gatherings including weddings are being cancelled.
The health orders allow restaurants and cafes to stay open, but seating will be limited to a maximum of six people at a table, and physical distancing must be followed.
The new measures will remain in effect until Jan. 18.
Dr. Bonnie Henry "The virus has changed. And so must we."They say adversity introduces us to ourselves," said Henry. "Our storm with COVID-19 is not over."
Join Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer, for an update on COVID-19.
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) December 21, 2021
https://t.co/eDBWKnHRkk
The government also announced an expansion of its vaccine booster program starting in January when large venues, such at the Vancouver Convention Centre, will become mass immunization sites.
Rapid COVID-19 testing will also be expanded next month with the expected arrival of 11 million tests from the federal government. The tests that are currently available will be distributed at long-term care facilities, among health-care workers and to rural, remote, Indigenous and vulnerable communities.
There will be 500k tests for students and staff to be deployed as needed in K to 12 to support return to school and continuity of in-person learning. An additional 500k for post-secondary students, faculty and staff.
Last week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry introduced restrictions that placed limits on the size of indoor personal gatherings, capped audience numbers in large venues, prohibited New Year's Eve parties.
The law around social gatherings is this. You can have two households. Or up to ten people. That is it. And the same people through to end of restrictions. Everyone must be vaccinated. No more household plus 10.
Dr. Bonnie Henry "Everyone in B.C. will eventually be exposed to Omicron. But how you protect yourself will determine if you get sick. You can visit with friends inside. But keep it to the same group of up to 10".
Omicron is surpassing Delta as the dominant strain in the province.
