B.C. announces new restrictions in response to Omicron variant

In response to the spread of the Omicron variant and rising case numbers, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer has announced additional measures required to flatten the curve. 

Retail stores must have COVID-19 safety plans in place, including for Christmas and Boxing Day sales. 

Personal gatherings will be limited to vaccinated persons only, with a maximum of 10 individuals plus household residents, or two households maximum. This restriction will be in place from midnight on Sunday, December 19 through to January 31, 2022. Unvaccinated persons may not gather with other households. 

Vaccine cards, previously required for events of more than 50 people, will now be mandatory for all events, including those held at retail stores. Those businesses who are required to check proof of vaccination must now scan the QR code and ensure it is valid, rather than just a visual check. 

The booster program will be accelerated in the coming weeks, mostly through the use of pharmacies. There will be no priority given to essential service booster programs (for example, at food distribution centres).

Restaurants can continue to operate at full capacity, but bars and restaurants can no longer allow patrons to mingle or move from table-to-table. No New Year’s Eve events will be permitted, other than restaurants offering table service only. There will be no restrictions on hours of alcohol service.