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Epidemics

BC's Reopening Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The BC provincial government has introduced a four-step reopening plan, BC's Restart: A plan to bring us back together, to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions and return to a sense of normalcy. As of July 1, 2021, the province entered Step 3 of the plan, allowing for increased social interactions and business operations. The plan's goal is to remove all restrictions once case counts and hospitalizations decrease. Individuals 12 years and older are required to show proof of vaccination to access certain non-essential businesses, events, and services, with the requirement set to end on January 31, 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • The provincial government has issued public health orders restricting social interactions and business operations within BC, with the goal of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
  • The four-step reopening plan, BC's Restart, aims to bring the province back together by gradually lifting restrictions.
  • Step 3 of the plan, implemented on July 1, 2021, allows for increased social interactions and business operations.
  • Individuals aged 12 and older must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to access certain non-essential businesses, events, and services, with the requirement set to end on January 31, 2022.
  • The requirement to show proof of vaccination applies at places defined as "premises" in the Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order or as "event" in section D of the Gatherings and Events Order.
  • Examples of places that require proof of vaccination include restaurants, gyms, and indoor ticketed events.
  • Workplaces are no longer required to maintain a COVID-19 Safety Plan and can transition to communicable disease prevention plans.
  • High-risk workplaces may be subject to additional safety precautions.
  • Certain workplaces, such as schools, police stations, and shelters, are exempt from closure orders.
  • Retail businesses may resume normal operations, with restaurants and bars allowed to operate with indoor and outdoor dining.
  • Personal gatherings are subject to regional restrictions, with no province-wide restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings.
  • Religious gatherings are subject to no capacity limits or restrictions.
  • Schools are open, with all K to 12 students, staff, and visitors required to wear masks in indoor areas.
  • Events and gatherings can have up to 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
  • Sports and travel are permitted, with some restrictions in place.
  • Businesses should review sector restrictions and ensure compliance with provincial health orders.
  • Businesses can check eligibility for rent support here.

Statistics:

  • As of September 13, 2021, individuals aged 12 and older must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to access certain non-essential businesses, events, and services.
  • The requirement to show proof of vaccination applies at places defined as "premises" in the Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order or as "event" in section D of the Gatherings and Events Order.
  • The requirement to show proof of vaccination does not apply at places such as grocery stores, retail stores, and hotels.
  • BC residents can download their BC Vaccine Card here, and either print it or save it to their smartphones.
  • Visitors from out of province must also show proof of vaccination.
  • Canadian visitors must show their provincially- or territorially-recognized vaccine record and a piece of valid government photo ID.
  • International visitors must show the proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada and their passport.
  • Masks are mandatory inside terminals and onboard ferries in indoor and outdoor spaces when not inside a vehicle.
  • Proof of vaccination is not required for travel.
  • The province achieved 70% of adults being vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in June 2021.

Sources:

  • "BC's Restart: A plan to bring us back together" webpage
  • Gatherings and Events Order webpage
  • Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order
  • Public Health Act, ss. .99(1), 108(1)(a)
  • Public Health Act, s. 107

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