Upcoming changes to restrictions

Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.’s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, these activities can return to normal:

  • Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order
    • Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required
    • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises
    • Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
  • No restrictions on worship service capacity
  • Overnight camps for children and youth allowed

By March 18, there will be no visitor limits at long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities.

When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.

On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services
  • Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC
  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

PHO order on masks in public indoor settings

This content is a summary of the PHO order — Face Coverings (PDF, 440KB) document. It is not legal advice and does not provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the order, the order is correct and legal and must be followed.

Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people born in 2017 or earlier (5+).

This includes:

  • Malls and shopping centres
  • Areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
  • Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
  • Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
  • Inside schools, including all K to 12 students and staff
  • Drug stores
  • Community centres
  • Recreation centres
  • City Halls
  • Restaurants, pubs and bars when not seated at a table
  • Events happening under the Gatherings and Events order

There are exemptions for:

  • People with health conditions or with physical, cognitive or mental impairments who cannot wear one
  • People who cannot remove a mask on their own
  • Children under the age of 5
  • People who need to remove their masks to communicate due to another person’s hearing impairment

A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.


PHO order on gatherings and events

This content is a summary of the PHO order — Gatherings and Events (PDF, 522KB) document. It is not legal advice and does not provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the order, the order is correct and legal and must be followed.

Personal gatherings

There are no restrictions on indoor or outdoor personal gatherings.

Organized gatherings and events

Indoor or outdoor gatherings and events can happen at full capacity. Dancing is allowed.

Worship services

  • If all participants are vaccinated as determined by the worship service leader, there are no capacity restrictions on worship services and choirs
  • If participants are not all vaccinated, worship services and choirs are limited to 50% seated capacity

Masks are required but can be temporarily removed for ceremonial eating and drinking, and by officiants, readers or for singing a solo where physical distancing is observed.

Exercise and fitness

Full capacity is allowed for exercise and fitness activities, including:

  • Adult indoor individual, group fitness or exercise activities
  • Adult dance classes and activities
  • Exercise and fitness programs for children and youth

Safety requirements for exercise and fitness activities include:

  • Proof of vaccination required for entry (12+)
  • Masks required at all times, except when actively exercising. We strongly encourage people to wear a mask even when exercising

Swimming pools

Swimming pools can operate at full capacity.

Sport activities

All sport activities are allowed, including:

  • Participating in an adult indoor sport or recreation program
  • Participating or competing in individual sports like skiing, swimming or skating
  • Competing in regular league play for individual or team sport
  • Adult and youth sport tournaments

Safety requirements for sport activities include:

  • Masks required indoors when not actively participating in a sport
  • Proof of vaccination required for spectators (12+) and adult participants at indoor sporting events
  • Non-employee supervisors, coaches and assistants of indoor sports and group activities for people 21 years or younger must be fully vaccinated

PHO order on restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs

This content is a summary of the PHO order — Food and Liquor Serving Premises (PDF, 476KB) document. It is not legal advice and does not provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the order, the order is correct and legal and must be followed.

Restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs can operate at full capacity and have fewer restrictions:

  • Normal liquor service hours
  • No limits on table size
  • Customers don’t have to remain seated
  • Dancing is allowed

Safety requirements include:


Guidance for visiting long-term care or seniors’ assisted living facilities

This content is a summary of the Ministry of Health — Overview of Visitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Living (PDF, 675KB) and PHO order — Visitor and Visitation Review and Appeal (PDF, 289KB) documents. It is not legal advice and does not provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the order, the order is correct and legal and must be followed.

Residents of long-term care facilities are allowed:

  • Visits from a single designated visitor
    • Every resident in long-term care can name one person, who can continue to visit even if visitation is restricted
    • Visits are allowed during active COVID-19 outbreaks, under guidance and direction from the local medical health officer
  • Essential visits
    • Essential visits include visits for compassionate reasons, such as end-of-life care or those essential to a resident’s care and mental well-being

All visitors are allowed at seniors’ assisted living facilities. Visitors must follow the guidance for Visitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Living (PDF, 675KB).

During your visit

All visitors must show proof of vaccination before visiting a long-term care or seniors’ assisted-living facility. Proof of vaccination is not required for:

  • Children under the age of 12
  • People with an approved medical exemption
  • Compassionate visits related to end-of-life

All visitors (12+) must also take a rapid point-of-care test at the entrance. People providing compassionate visits related to end-of-life do not have to take a test.

All visitors to long-term care facilities must wear a medical mask. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors.

Visitors to seniors’ assisted-living facilities must wear a medical mask in hallways, common areas and shared units. Masks are not required when visiting residents in single-occupancy units.

All visitors are also required to follow additional safety precautions, including screening for symptoms of illness and practicing hand hygiene.


Enforcement

During a public health emergency under the Public Health Act, the PHO can make orders as needed. You must follow the orders. Some orders can be enforced by police or other compliance and enforcement officials. People who don’t follow these orders could be fined.