British Columbia has developed a plan to remove restrictions

British Columbia has unveiled a four-step plan to remove restrictions. The province has already vaccinated 60% of residents with at least one dose, and infections and hospitalizations have steadily declined.

On May 26, 250 new cases were identified in B.C., the lowest since October 2020. At the peak of the third wave, which occurred in mid-April, more than 1,000 people were infected daily in the province.

"We've made tremendous strides in our vaccination program, and we're now at a point where we can move forward with a plan to gradually open up the province," said B.C. Premier John Horgan.

The plan was developed under the direction of the BC Centre for Disease Control and Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health. It is based on the number of vaccinated residents, COVID-19 incidence rates, hospitalizations and deaths. Approximate dates have been set for each stage, but they are subject to change depending on the situation.

The first phase of the plan went into effect on May 25. The following exemptions are in effect for the period of this phase:

• up to 5 persons indoors and up to 10 persons outdoors are permitted;
• organized gatherings of up to 10 people in safety-sensitive rooms, or up to 50 people outdoors are permitted;
• travel can be done within your region;
• during lunch, a maximum of 6 people are allowed at one table indoors or outdoors;
• sports and sports games are resumed without spectators;
• employees are gradually returning to their workplaces;
• restaurants, cafes, pubs, fitness centers, schools, kindergartens, etc. operate in accordance with safety protocols;
• it is obligatory to wear masks and keep a distance.

The second phase is scheduled for mid-June. It will take effect provided 65% of the adult population is vaccinated once and infections and hospitalizations continue to decline. The second phase will have the following measures:

• gatherings of up to 50 people in the open air and at organized gatherings indoors (banquet halls, cinemas, theatres) are permitted;
• restrictions on travel within the province are lifted;
• sports and sports games are resumed with a limit of 50 spectators;
• it is obligatory to wear masks and keep a distance.

The third phase should take effect in early July if 70% of the adult population is vaccinated once, infection rates are low, and hospitalizations continue to decline. A few more indulgences will be added during this period:

• the provincial state of emergency is lifted;
• there are no restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings;
• the permitted number of people at organized meetings is increased;
• nightclubs and casinos open, but with limited capacity;
• new guidelines on wearing personal protective equipment, observing distances and safety in the workplace are emerging.

The fourth phase is expected in early September, when more than 70% of the adult population will be vaccinated once and the number of infections and hospitalizations will be low. The province will return to normal life as it was before the pandemic:

• all restrictions on physical contact are lifted;
• sports activities and sports games are allowed with any number of spectators;
• the permitted number of people at organized meetings is increased;
• new workplace safety protocols are in effect.