BC Restart Plan Moves to Step 3
byToday the Government of BC updated their BC Restart Plan to confirm we can move into Step 3 starting July 1, 2021. This phase will see a significant number of restrictions being lifted including the limits on restaurants, personal gatherings, together with an increase in the capacity limits for organized gatherings.
BC Restart Plan Moves to Step 3
The criteria for moving to Step 3 is at least 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalizations. In Step 3, all sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.
Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act will be lifted July 1 and no proof of vaccination will be needed. Meaning, masks will no longer be required, just recommended.
| Activities | New things you can do |
|---|---|
| Personal gatherings | Return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatheringsSleepovers |
| Organized gatherings | Indoor organized gatherings 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater Outdoor organized gatherings 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater No capacity limits or restrictions on religious gatherings and worship services Fairs, festivals and trade shows return to normal with a Communicable Disease Plan |
| Travel | Canada-wide recreational travel |
| Businesses | Restaurants, bars and pubs No group limits for indoor and outdoor dining, events allowed Return to normal liquor service hoursNo socializing between tables Nightclubs Up to 10 people seated at tables, tables 2m apart No dancing, no socializing between tables Casinos Reduced capacity Gaming stations can operate at approximately 50% capacity Businesses will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Plan. Some safety measures will remain, like physical barriers. |
| Offices and workplaces | Continued return to the workplace Seminars and bigger meetings allowed Workplaces will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Plan.Additional safety precautions required in higher risk workplaces. |
| Sports and exercise | All indoor fitness classes allowed, normal capacity Gyms and recreation facilities, normal capacity Outdoor spectators 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater Indoor spectators 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater |
The criteria for moving to Step 4 is more than 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and low COVID-19 hospitalizations. The earliest date we move to Step 4 is September 7.
If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately.
British Columbians aged 12 and over who have not yet been immunized can register in three ways:
- Online through the Get Vaccinated portal.
- By calling 1-833-838-2323. Translators are available in 140 languages.
- In person at any Service B.C. location.
The province is aiming to have most people receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine roughly eight weeks after their first.
View the full BC Restart Plan online for details and Provincial Health Office guidance.
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Thank god! It’s about time we get back to normal, I say! All hail BC for keeping it real during this mess 😉