BC imposes new COVID-19 restrictions

BC Health Officials have introduced several new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia.

“We’ve started to see the start of exponential growth,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.

New and amended orders and guidelines are in effect through April 19, 2021, and include:

* For restaurants, bars and pubs, all food and liquor-serving premises must only provide take-out or delivery service. Dine-in service is prohibited, except for outdoor patios. People dining on patios should do so with their immediate household or core bubble.

* Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are also paused. Gyms and fitness centres are restricted to individual or one-on-one activities only i.e. one-on-one personal training.

* The previously announced class variance for limited indoor worship services has been suspended. Outdoor worship services under the current variance may continue.

* Travel continues to be limited to essential travel, work or medical reasons only. For those who have travelled outside their health region, if you or anyone in your family develops any signs of illness, you must stay home from work, school or daycare, and arrange to get tested immediately.

* Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort is closed through to April 19, 2021, to address and prevent community spread related to non-essential travel.

* All workers are strongly encouraged to work from home, where possible.

* Public health guidance for schools has also been amended to support and encourage students down to Grade 4 to wear masks while at school.

“Rising case levels, variants of concern, increased transmission and an increase in more severe cases are huge concerns,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “B.C. public health officials are making the tough choices now to break the chain and protect our communities.”