To help keep B.C. safe, the PHO has introduced Province-Wide Restrictions. They will be in effect December 20, 2021 to January 31, 2022.
New Grant Information as of January 19, 2022
The Province is extending the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant and doubling supports for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until Feb. 16, 2022.
COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant Funds doubled for Eligible Businesses
Businesses that have applied for a COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant do not need to reapply. To apply for a grant, visit: COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
New Grant as of December 23, 2021
The COVID-19 Closure Grant will provide fully funded grants to businesses that had to close due to the December 22, 2021 Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders.
New Restrictions as of December 22, 2021
These restrictions are in effect until January 18, 2022.
- Indoor organized gatherings of any size are not allowed. This includes gatherings like New Year’s Eve parties, wedding receptions or other celebrations
- Indoor events at venues can only have 50% capacity. This includes events like concerts, sports or movies
- Bars, nightclubs and lounges are closed
- Restaurants, cafes and pubs can have a maximum of 6 people at each table
- Adult gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed
Workplace Restrictions
You must wear a mask in all indoor workspaces, unless:
- You are alone in a room or there is a barrier between you and other people
- Wearing a mask would interfere with the safe performance of your work duties
- You have a valid exemption
Workplaces must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place as part of the workplace’s Communicable Disease Plan.
A workplace that has workers testing positive for COVID-19 and public health confirming transmission has occurred in the work environment may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days.
For larger workplaces, the closure may be restricted to the locations where transmission has occurred.
Exceptions will be made for workplaces like:
- Courthouses, police stations and fire halls
- Healthcare facilities, schools, shelters
- Ferry system and public transportation
- Distribution hubs of necessary goods such as food and medicine
Workplaces will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a communicable disease plan. Additional safety precautions are required in higher risk workplaces.
Please click here for WorkSafeBC Covid-19 Public Health Announcements
Organized Gatherings Restrictions
Proof of vaccination is required for all organized events of all sizes. Everyone must be fully vaccinated to attend. Businesses must scan proof of vaccination QR codes for entry.
Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs, Bars and Nightclubs
Bars, nightclubs and lounges are closed.
Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed with physical distancing requirements and other rules, including:
- A maximum of 6 people at a table
- Physical distancing or barriers between tables
- Customers must remain seated and cannot move between or visit other tables
- No dancing
- Normal liquor service hours
- Masks are required when not seated at a table
Restaurants, cafes and pubs must scan proof of vaccination QR codes for entry.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Adult gyms, fitness centers and dance studios are closed.
Adult and Youth outdoor and indoor group and team sports
All sports tournaments and related travel are not allowed.
Non-employee supervisors, coaches and assistants of indoor sports and group activities for people 21 years or younger must be fully vaccinated.
Violations
Violation tickets of $2,300 can be issued to owners, operators and event organizers. They are subject to a fine if they do not meet the requirements of the Food and Liquor Serving Premises order.
Violation tickets of $2,300 can be issued to event organizers who host a non-compliant event. For example, an event exceeding capacity limits outlined in the order.
- Review the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF)
Violation tickets subject to a $230 violation ticket if you:
- Engage in abusive behaviour towards a restaurant or bar employee in relation to the PHO orders
- Fail to comply with the patron conditions set out in the Food and Liquor Serving Premises order
Federal Supports to Assist Businesses & Workers
The federal government will temporarily expand eligibility for support programs to assist businesses and workers during the new public health restrictions.
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Have Questions?
TEXT: 1-604-630-0300 Available 7:30am-8:00pm
CALL: 1-888-COVID19
CALL: 711 (telephone for the Deaf)