In response to the Province’s surging COVID-19 cases, B.C. health officials have rolled out multiple restriction updates in the past week, leading to cancellations and shutdowns across British Columbia.
The first set of restrictions went into effect on Monday, December 20, only to be updated with additional measures one day later. All restrictions went to effect on Wednesday, December 22.
From personal gatherings to closed businesses. Here’s a quick summary of the restrictions that are currently in place until January 18, 2022 – unless renewed by Bonnie Henry.
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BC Restrictions Now In Effect
New Year Events Cancelled
- Organized New Year’s Eve events of any size will be forced to cancel.
Closed Businesses
- Bars and nightclubs closed
- Gyms, fitness centres and dance studios must be shut down
- There will be no sport tournaments
Organized Gatherings Limits
- No indoor organized gatherings of any size will be permitted, this includes weddings, receptions and parties
- Outdoor organized seated can have a capacity of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
- Seated events including concerts, sports games, and movie theatres will need to reduce capacity to 50 per cent
- All venues will now be required to start scanning QR codes to prevent fraudulent use of cards
Personal Gathering Limits
- Indoor personal gatherings will be limited to 10 adult guests or one other household. Children under the age of 12 will not count towards the limit of 10
- Everyone in attendance must be vaccinated
- Unvaccinated single family members or roommates will not be allowed to throw or attend gatherings
Restaurant Rules
- Patrons dining at restaurants will be restricted from mingling and moving between tables
- Maximum of six people per table at a restaurant, pub or cafe
Travel Requirements
In November, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents who took short trips under 72 hours out of the country wouldn’t need proof of a negative test before returning home. However, starting December 21st, the COVID-19 molecular test will once again be reinstated.
The Government is also recommending Canadians avoid travel during this season, as further restrictions may be implemented later that could delay their returns.
Existing Requirements
The following existing requirements have not changed at this time:
- Face masks are required to be worn at all public indoor settings for people aged 5 and above.
- Worship service remains the same.
- Limited to 50% for crowds that has unvaccinated members
- Fairs, Festivals and trade shows can run as normal
- Workplaces are only limited in places where there are confirmed positive cases
Further Potential Restrictions
Although no further restrictions have been released, that isn’t to say more won’t be announced. Last year, Public Health officials issued a new mandate 24 hours before New Year’s Eve targeting liquor sales.
This page will be updated as BC restrictions are modified.
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