B.C. has indefinitely extended the indoor mask mandate which was set to expire on Sunday, Oct. 31.
The mandate was brought back in on Aug. 25, less than two months after it was first eased on July 1. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says this latest extension comes as B.C. aims to continue to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
“The requirement to wear masks in indoor public spaces is being extended during this time of higher transmission of COVID-19 in communities,” she said. “This important layer of protection will help make all of us safer, along with practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if sick and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated.”
People over the age of five years are required to wear masks in all public indoor settings, regardless of their vaccination status. That includes malls and grocery stores, at community centres, inside restaurants and pubs (unless seated at a table), on public transportation, in common areas of post-secondary institutions; and inside schools.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have all been taking steps to keep our communities safe, and we must continue to do so,” added Health Minister Adrian Dix. “Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask are important steps we can all take to stay healthy, protect our health-care system, support health-care workers and support one another.”
Masks may be removed temporarily if a person needs to be have their identity checked, while eating or drinking in designated areas, or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask be removed.
People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without help are exempt from the mandate.
Federal Vaccine Cards Now Available for Download
As well, British Columbians looking to travel by air, rail, or cruise ships can now download their federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination card.
It will come into effect Saturday, Oct. 30, though people will still be allowed to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel until Nov. 30, while this new federal card is rolled out.
“The federal card can be accessed in the same way as the BC Vaccine Card, which 3.7 million British Columbians have downloaded to enjoy non-essential activities throughout our province, such as dining in restaurants or attending a sporting event,” Dix added.
“By ensuring all of us are fully vaccinated, we can do more with the people we love, safely.”
This federal card is also required for international travel, though people are being urged to check the Government’s travel requirements as well as the requirements of the country to which they are travelling. Canadians who are not fully vaccinated will have to complete testing requirements and a mandatory quarantine period when they return to Canada.
Last Thursday, Premier John Horgan suggested that if British Columbians only intend to stay in the province and go to a sporting event or a restaurant for example, the B.C. card that they have right now will suffice.
“The 3.7 million of you who have already downloaded a B.C. immunization card can continue to go to a play, can continue to go to a concert, go out for dinner with some friends,” Horgan said Oct. 21. “If you want to travel internationally or on federally regulated modes of transportation, you’re going to require a federal card.”
People who are unable to get either of their vaccine cards online through Health Gateway, can request it by phone or in person at 1-833-838-2323 or at most Service BC offices.
