Victoria, BC (WNews Breaking) – The Government of B.C has issued new sweeping health orders affecting many parts of the province as cases of COVID19 spikes and its new variant, Omicron.
As of Monday, 50% capacity for venues with a capacity of 1,000 or more. Social, personal gatherings will be restricted in B.C. to one household plus 10 other people for vaccinated people only. Unvaccinated people cannot gather with other households.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says we will be seeing rapidly rising cases in the next few weeks. Says if you are unvaccinated “you are at risk.”
The new measures include:
- 50% capacity for venues with a capacity of 1,000 or more.
- Social, personal gatherings will be restricted in B.C. to one household plus 10 other people for vaccinated people only. Unvaccinated people cannot gather with other households.
- The province will be requiring the BC Vaccine Card for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events
- Pausing all sports tournaments while the order is in effect.
- no New Year’s events but there can be dinners at restaurants, with no mingling or dancing allowed.
- New Year’s Eve parties are prohibited.
- There are no restrictions against travel in B.C. over the holiday season.
Measures will extend to Jan. 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.
The new orders come as COVID19 cases have spiked and nearly doubled over the last week with over 753 cases reported on Thursday compared to under 350 a week ago.
Earlier today, the Government of Canada reinstated the PCR for all travelers coming into Canada regardless of vaccinations status. The test must be taken outside of Canada.
The Government on November 30, allowed for fully vaccinated Canadian travelers to not take a PCR test if their trip was under 72 hours.
This is Breaking News and will be updated as required.
