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Here’s All The New Restrictions Just Announced For British Columbia

Bonnie henry discusses COVID-19 variant

Photo: Province of British Columbia / Flickr

Please note that this is a developing story, and the information on this page may be outdated. Here is the latest summary of the restrictions that are currently in place until January 2022.

On December 17, the B.C. Government announced new COVID-19 restrictions set to take effect on Monday.

This is in preparation for an expected surge in cases during the holiday season, and to prevent further outbreaks triggered by the new and fast-spreading Omicron variant.

The restrictions include bringing back limitations on gathering sizes, and enforcing vaccine mandates. These restrictions are scheduled to last until January 31, 2022.

RELATED: TransLink Services Will Be FREE On New Year’s Eve To Ring In 2022

Newly Enforced Restrictions

New Year Events Cancelled

  • Organized New Year’s Eve events of any size will be forced to cancel
    • Standing, mingling or dancing is not permitted.
    • Seated events can continue to take place under the ‘organized gathering’ restrictions

Organized Gatherings Limits

  • All Sport Tournaments will be paused
  • There will be a 50% capacity limit for larger venues hosting over 1,000 people
  • Everyone must wear a mask
  • Everyone in attendance must be vaccinated
  • Spectators must be seated for concerts, performances, indoor weddings/funerals, lectures and other ticketed events
  • Spectators do not need to remain seated at conventions, trade shows, conferences (except during lectures, and recreational classes.

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
  • Restaurants can still operate at full capacity for regular dining

Vaccine Requirements

  • All gatherings of any size will require proof of vaccination, whereas previously events with less than 50 guests were exempt.
  • All venues will now be required to start scanning QR codes to prevent fraudulent use of cards.

Testing Requirements Return for Short Trips

In November, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents who takes 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.

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.

You can read more about the details of these restrictions on the BC Government Website.

 

Do you agree with the new restrictions? Let us know why or why not in the comments below.

 

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