British Columbia adds more COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the holidays

The Province of British Columbia has announced more COVID-19 restrictions that will go into effect this week.

Starting December 22:

  • No indoor organized gatherings of any kind are allowed in the province, including weddings, New Year’s Eve parties and other celebrations.
  • Gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed.
  • Bars and nightclubs are closed.
  • Indoor venues, including movie theatres, concerts and sporting events, are reduced to 50% capacity.
  • Restaurants, cafés and pubs can have a maximum of six people per table.

These measures are in place until January 18, 2022.

These new restrictions are in addition to the measures that went into effect on December 20, including:

  • Indoor personal gatherings are limited to one other household, or 10 guests. Everyone 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.
  • At restaurants, cafés and pubs, customers must stay seated and cannot move between or visit other tables. Masks are required when not seated.
  • All sports tournaments and related travel are prohibited.

These restrictions are in place until January 31, 2022.

In addition to these restrictions, the Provincial Health Officer also strongly recommends to:

  • Keep gatherings small and only with those who you know are fully vaccinated.
  • Have outdoor gatherings as they are safer than indoor gatherings.
  • Reduce social interactions.
  • Ensure proper ventilation indoors by opening windows.
  • Avoid all travel if you’re not fully vaccinated.
  • Follow the current federal travel advisory.
  • Stay home if you feel sick.

For more information about BC’s current COVID-19 restrictions, visit gov.bc.ca/covid19.

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