COVID-19 in BC: It’s back to full capacity at theatres, concert venues, and performance spaces as of February 16 at 11:59 pm
Dr. Bonnie Henry announces easing of pandemic restrictions
The Chan Centre for Performing Arts. Photo by Don Erhardt
YOU CAN ALMOST hear audiences cheering and clapping in a standing O: British Columbia's provincial health officer is easing COVID-19 restrictions, with capacity limits about to return to normal.
Dr. Bonnie Henry announced today that the province will lift restrictions on organized gatherings and events—which include the performing arts—as well as personal gatherings, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments as of February 16 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
The BC Vaccine Card, indoor masking requirements, and broad COVID-19 safety plans are to remain in place for the time being.
The decision to ease restrictions is based on consideration of data by the provincial health officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
With more than 90 percent of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, the province will transition to a “sustainable COVID-19 management plan focusing on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk”, according to a release.
“These changes are taking effect after careful review of where we are in this pandemic, and the credit goes to all British Columbians for their action to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” Henry was quoted as saying. “We will continue to rely on what is happening in B.C., science and evidence to guide our next steps in this journey to protect people from COVID-19 while safely easing restrictions.”
Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15 and again by April 12.
Related Articles
