Changes to capacity limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings in BC go into effect today.
The BC government announced Tuesday they would drop the capacity limits for sporting events, fitness centres, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Dancing and mingling in public spaces will also be allowed, but masks and the COVID-19 vaccine card will still be required at organized gatherings like weddings and sports tournaments.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says efforts are also underway to reschedule surgeries postponed due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
“There will continue to be some postponements because of staffing or the need to create capacity, but what is vital right now is that we all understand that our work is not done,” Dix says. “All of us need to keep making a difference that matters and as we do this work that we do so well, we make an essential difference in the lives of all patients who are waiting for those calls.”
Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry says the decision to drop capacity limits was made due to BC being one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world.
Just over 93 percent of BC residents 12 and up have their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with about 53 percent of those residents have had a booster shot.
Henry says the province will now focus on preventing illness among those at highest risk and begin to move toward a more normal way of life.
She says the vaccine card policy will remain in place as part of a mitigation strategy for the highest risk settings.
– BC Health Minister Adrian Dix
Comments