BC Start Plan for Recovery
May 25, 2021The government of British Columbia released their reopening plan on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Dr. Henry encouraged British Columbians to continue to follow COVID-19 protocols until they are removed. Existing COVID-19 protocols will change over the four step process until these are entirely removed.
Step 1: May 25, 2021 (date definite)
- Personal gatherings: outdoor up to 10 people; indoor up to 5 people (or at least one other household)
- Organized (seated) gatherings: indoor allowed up to 10 people; outdoor up to 50 people (under COVID-19 protocols)
- Indoor dining – up to 6 people with COVID protocols
- Maintaining intra-regional travel restrictions; recreation travel now allowed within your health region(s)
- People can work from offices with COVID procols
- Low-intensity indoor fitness (e.g., yoga) can resume
- Outdoor sports of all types can resume without spectators
Step 2: Earliest June 15, 2021 (date dependent upon vaccination, case numbers, hospitalization)
- Personal gatherings: outdoor up to 50 people; indoor up to 5 people can resume
- Organized outdoor (seated) gatherings can resume
- Organized indoor (seated) gatherings to a limit of 50; banquet halls can reopen (max 50); all under COVID protocols
- Travel – British Columbians can have recreational travel across BC
- Liquor restrictions (hours of sale and service) extended to midnight
- Indoor team sports resume (no spectators)
- Outdoor team sports can have up to 50 spectators
Step 3: Earliest July 1, 2021 (date dependent upon vaccination, case numbers, hospitalization)
- Masks recommended not mandatory
- Increased capacity for organized indoor and outdoor events
- Liquor restrictions (hours of sale and service) end
- Fairs and festivals can resume with COVID-19 safety protocols
- Other Canadians can come to BC for recreational travel
- Bingo halls, nightclubs and casinos can resume with capacity restrictions
Step 4: Earliest September 7, 2021 (date dependent upon vaccination, case numbers, hospitalization)
- Masks personal choice
- Concerts resume