Today our government announced BC’s four-step restart plan. 

Implementing this plan will not be like flipping a switch. Rather, it will be a gradual and careful reopening that continues to put science and the advice of health experts first. 

Now, with more than 60% of adults vaccinated with their first dose and COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations steadily declining, British Columbia is ready to move forward with our cautious first step for a careful and safe restart. The four-step plan was designed based on data and guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Dr. Bonnie Henry. Progressing through these steps will be measured by the number of adults vaccinated, COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths, while also considering clusters and outbreaks. While there are approximate reopening dates, the plan will be guided by data, not dates, and we will not proceed to the next step until it is safe to do so.

As of today, we are in Step 1. That means:

• Maximum of five visitors or one household allowed for indoor personal gatherings
• Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings
• Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized events with safety protocols
• Recreational travel only within your travel region
• Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
• Resuming outdoor sports with no spectators, and low-intensity fitness activities with safety protocols
• Starting the gradual return to offices
• Provincewide mask mandate, business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place
• The return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings with reduced capacity

Sincerely,