Province Tightens COVID Restrictions

IF you’re out and about after Nov 19 and want to go into any store or public place you will need to wear a mask.

In response to a sharp rise in new cases the Province of British Columbia has implemented tighter Province wide restrictions in effect as of Nov 19 until Dec 7:

By order and direction of the PHO, all individuals, places of work and businesses in B.C. must significantly reduce social interactions and travel.
The order is in effect from November 19, 2020 at midnight to December 7, 2020 at midnight.

Social gatherings and events

No social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your household or core bubble. For example:

• Do not invite friends or extended family to your household 
• Do not host gathering outdoors
• Do not gather in your backyard
• Do not have playdates for children

All events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended. For example:

• Galas
• Musical or theatre performances
• Seasonal activities
• Silent auctions

Core bubble
For most people, their core bubble is their immediate household. For others, their core bubble may contain a partner, relative, friend or co-parent who lives in a different household. This should be a maximum of two people outside of those living in your immediate household.

An immediate household is:
A group of people who live in the same dwelling. For example:
If you have a rental suite in your home, the suite is a separate household
If you live in an apartment or house with roommates, you are all members of the same household

People who live alone
People who live alone cannot host gatherings. They can continue to see the same one or two people of their core bubble at each other’s homes.

Mask requirements

Masks are now required for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces. People who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt. 

• Employers are expected to enforce the mandatory mask policy with both employees and customers
• A customer can be refused entry or service if they do not wear a mask

Masks in public indoor settings

Masks are required in all indoor public settings and all retail stores. This includes:

• Malls, shopping centres
• Grocery stores
• Coffee shops
• Common areas in hotels
• Libraries
• Clothing stores
• Liquor stores
• Drug stores
• Community centres
• Recreation centres
• City Halls
• Restaurants and bars when not seated at a table

Masks at workplaces

Masks are required in all workplaces for shared work areas and areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes:

• Elevators
• Kitchens
• Hallways
• Customer counters
• Break rooms

These excerpts are just a few of the rules – for a comprehensive list visit the Province-wide restrictions page or the B.C.’s response to COVID-19 page on the government website.