B.C. will lift some COVID-19 restrictions tomorrow (Feb. 16), but will keep vaccine card and mask requirements.
The province will lift restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness and adult sports tournaments. COVID-19 safety plans will also stay in place, according to a media release by the Ministry of Health.
“These changes are taking effect after careful review of where we are in this pandemic, and the credit goes to all British Columbians for their action to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “We will continue to rely on what is happening in B.C., science and evidence to guide our next steps in this journey to protect people from COVID-19 while safely easing restrictions.”
With more than 90 per cent of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, the province will transition to a management plan focused on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk, according to the release.
The decision to ease restrictions is based on a review of data by the provincial health officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control, the ministry said.
Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15 and again by April 12.
