BC Brings in Sweeping New Measures
to Control COVID-19, Including Mandatory Masks
In her news conference today, Dr. Henry said that she is extending an earlier order limiting social gatherings in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions until December 7th and making it apply province-wide.
Dr. Henry also asked Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to implement a requirement for workers and members of the public to wear masks in all retail environments and indoor public spaces, including common areas of workplaces, except when eating or drinking.
Government is asking residents not to travel outside their communities for non-essential reasons and asking people from other provinces to postpone their trips to BC.
High-risk indoor group fitness activities, including high intensity interval training, hot yoga and spin classes will be suspended as well.
Other measures announced Thursday include:
- All community and social events are suspended for the next two weeks, even if they're under 50 people.
- In-person faith services are suspended.
- No spectators will be allowed at any indoor or outdoor sport, and no travelling outside the local community for sports.
- Businesses are being asked to suspend any returns to the office for employees who've been working at home.
- They're also being told to re-evaluate whether safety plans are appropriate and being followed.
- Inspections of businesses and enforcement of public health orders are being stepped up.
Updates to these measures will continue as public health orders are adjusted. TIABC has been meeting with government to convey the tourism industry's needs and concerns. We will provide further information in Friday's C-19 Bulletin.
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