Category Archives: British Columbia

BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan focused on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal. 

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Understand the plan

BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan to bring B.C. back together. Getting vaccinated is the most important tool supporting our restart. 

How we move through the steps

To move through the steps, we’re looking for:

  • Declining COVID-19 case counts
  • Increasing vaccination rate in people 18+
  • Declining COVID-19 hospitalizations, including critical care
  • Declining COVID-19 mortality rate

Share the message about staying safe

Download and print these posters to help share the message about staying safe and moving forward at a pace that feels comfortable. Translated versions will be available soon.

Everyone is moving forward at their own pace (PDF, 1.8MB)

Keep wearing your mask until you are fully vaccinated (PDF, 90.7KB)

Golden Rules for Everyday Life (PDF, 139.3KB)

Steps 1 and 2: Complete

On May 25, we gradually began to restart our important social connections, businesses and activities. 

The criteria for Step 1 was at least 60% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with stable case counts and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Step 1 went from May 25 to June 14.

What happened in Step 1

 The criteria for Step 2 was at least 65% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with declining case counts and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Step 2 went from June 15 to June 30. 

What happened in Step 2

We are in Step 3

The criteria for Step 3 is at least 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalizations. In Step 3, all sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.

Mask guidance

Masks are recommended in indoor public places for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act was lifted July 1.

  • You’re fully vaccinated 14 days after dose 2
  • Masks are optional for children aged 2 to 12
  • Children under 2 should not wear masks
  • Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers
  • Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they’re fully vaccinated and that’s okay

PHO guidance

Activities

New things you can do
Personal gatherings
  • Return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
  • Sleepovers
Organized gatherings
Travel
Businesses

Restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs

Casinos

Businesses will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a communicable disease plan. Some safety measures will remain, like physical barriers. 
Offices and workplaces
  • Continued return to the workplace
  • Seminars and bigger meetings allowed

Workplaces will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a communicable disease plan.

Additional safety precautions required in higher risk workplaces. 
Sports and exercise

Step 4: Earliest start date September 7

The criteria for moving to Step 4 is more than 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and low COVID-19 hospitalizations. 

The earliest date we move to Step 4 is September 7.

PHO guidance

  • Masks in public indoor settings a personal choice
  • Normal social contact
  • If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately

Activities

New things you can do
Personal gatherings
  • Return to normal personal gatherings and social contact
Organized gatherings
  • Increased capacity at large organized gatherings, like a concert
Travel
  • Canada-wide recreational travel
Businesses
  • To operate, businesses will continue to follow communicable disease prevention guidance
Offices and workplaces
  • Workplaces fully reopened
Sports and exercise
  • Return to normal sport competitions when following communicable disease prevention guidance
  • Increased outdoor and indoor spectators