British Columbia's new COVID-19 restrictions to curb Omicron variant come into effect - Vancouver Sun

The health measures are scheduled to last until Jan. 31.

Author of the article:

The Canadian Press

Publishing date:

Dec 20, 2021  •  27 minutes ago  •  2 minute read  •  51 Comments

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said the Omicron variant is adding new and more complex challenges to managing the pandemic. Photo by Felipe Fittipaldi /Government of B.C.

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New COVID-19 restrictions ranging from audience capacities on large venues to the number of people able to attend indoor gatherings are in effect today.

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The health measures are scheduled to last until Jan. 31.

Health officials say the restrictions, which also include the cancellation of all New Year’s Eve parties, are being implemented over fears of the Omicron variant overwhelming B.C. hospitals.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said the Omicron variant is adding new and more complex challenges to managing the pandemic.

B.C. reported 302 cases of the Omicron variant on Friday, up from 135 on Thursday.

The province reported 2,550 new cases over the past three days but said it would not update the number of Omicron cases until Tuesday. There are now 5,435 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C.

Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix are expected to announce changes to B.C.’s rapid testing policy on Tuesday.

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These 6 rules are now in effect in B.C.

1. Personal indoor gatherings will be limited to one household plus another household or 10 other people, if everyone is vaccinated. Those who are unvaccinated should not be attending parties or gatherings.

2. All New Year’s Eve parties, which officials fear could be super-spreader events, will be cancelled, no matter the size (this does not include seated events).

3. People are required to stay at their table in restaurants, pubs or bars, and not mingle with people at different tables.

4. Events at large venues which hold 1,000 people or more, such as concerts, hockey games, and theatres, will be limited to 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity.

5. The B.C. Vaccine Pass will be required for all organized indoor events, regardless of size. Currently, people are only required to show the pass for events with more than 50 people.

6. All sports tournaments and related travel are suspended.

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2021-12-21 00:00:00Z
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