Province-Wide Restrictions Extended to January 8
BC’s provincial health officer extended the ban on social gatherings for another month, until January 8, 2021 at midnight, as the province recorded 35 more deaths related to COVID-19 and recorded 2,020 new cases over the weekend. This includes gatherings in people’s homes and in public venues. Highlights of Monday’s announcement include:
- All in-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended, with the exception of weddings, funerals, baptisms, support group meetings and business meetings. Drive-in and drop-off events will also be allowed.
- No gatherings of any size at private residences with anyone other than your household or core bubble.
- Masks are required in many indoor public settings and all retail stores. Patrons must wear a mask inside a restaurant, pub, and bar, when not at a table.
- Restaurants, pubs and bars can continue to operate if they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and employee protocols in place.
- WorkSafeBC will be conducting inspections to verify that COVID-19 Safety Plans remain effective. Establishments that are noncompliant with plan requirements may face orders and fines, and possible referral to public health which may result in a closure order.
- The Office of the PHO is recommending against any travel other than what is essential for work or medical care.
