British Columbia removes most restrictions

The province of British Columbia has made incredible progress in vaccinating its population. Nearly 80% of adults have had at least one vaccination and more than 30% have already received a second dose. This has allowed the region to move into the third of four phases today, July 1 removal of restrictions.

The third phase means the long-awaited lifting of the longest-running state of emergency in British Columbia's history, as well:

• meetings indoors and outdoors;
• organized meetings of up to 50 people or up to 50% of the capacity of the room;
• organized gatherings of up to 5,000 people or up to 50% of the outdoor capacity;
• holding of fairs, festivals, shows, etc;
• removal of restrictions on travel within Canada;
• opening of a casino with a limit of 50% of slot machines in operation;
• opening of nightclubs with a limit of 10 people per table and no dancing;
• operation of alcohol service in restaurants, bars and pubs with no time limit;
• outdoor and indoor sports.

At this stage, people over the age of 12 who have received a single dose of vaccine or have not been vaccinated at all are advised to wear masks indoors. Local health authorities will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation in the province. In the final, fourth phase, mandatory social distance and most assembly restrictions are planned to be abolished.