Health officials also suggested that the province’s transition to Stage 4 of the COVID-19 restart plan might not proceed in September if the current trends continue.
A surge in cases in British Columbia’s Interior Health Region has prompted the government to institute restrictions for the entire region. These restrictions had previously been in place only in the Central Okanagan.
The following restrictions begin at 12:00 am, August 21, 2021:
- Everyone 12 years of age and older must wear a mask in all public indoor spaces;
- Organized events outdoors will be limited to 50 people;
- Indoor social gatherings will be limited to one other family or five people;
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings will need a COVID safety plan in place; and
- High-intensity indoor fitness classes are suspended, low-intensity indoor fitness classes will be capped at 10 people and outdoor fitness classes will be capped at 50 people.
The B.C. government is also now recommending against non-essential travel to the Interior Health Region, no matter your immunization status.
Dr. Bonnie Henry stated that the majority of the new cases were among unvaccinated people attending events such as weddings and birthdays. Health Minister Adrian Dix noted that the vaccination rate in the Interior is relatively low, and he urged people to receive their recommended doses. Currently, 76 per cent of eligible residents have received a COVID-19 dose, while only 68 per cent have received both doses.
We will continue to update our clients with information as soon as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this topic, other COVID-19 related questions, or would like assistance with developing a COVID-19 vaccination policy tailored to the needs of your workplace, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s COVID-19 website resources.
