BC’s Move to Step 2 in the Restart Plan – What It Means for You

Yesterday, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that BC will be moving to Step 2 of the Restart plan. The decision to move to step 2 was based on satisfaction of specific criteria. The criteria for moving to Step 2 was that at least 65% of the 18 and over population had received their first dose of vaccine, along with declining case counts and hospitalizations. As of today, more than 75% of adults in British Columbia have been vaccinated with their first dose. Case numbers are declining as are hospitalizations. The move to Step 2 means that we can all now increase our social connections a little bit more.

As of June 15 outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people will now be permitted. Organized indoor gatherings of up to 50 people are now allowed with a COVID safety plan in place. This means that venues such as movie theatres and theatres will now be able to open and restaurants will now be able to host events of up to 50 people. Indoor religious services are now able to have up to 10% of the building’s capacity or 50 people, whichever number is bigger. Recreational travel within British Columbia is also now allowed which will see BC Ferries and BC Transit offering increased service as needed. Restaurants and bars can now serve liquor until midnight and banquet halls can now operate with up to 50 people in attendance. For workplaces, small in person meetings will now be allowed and a return to the workplace can begin.

The earliest target date for Step 3 is July 1. Criteria for the move to Step 3 are continuing declines in case counts and hospitalizations and 70% vaccination rate for dose 1. Step 3 for workplaces will see a greater return to the workplace, seminars and bigger meetings and operations based on new Safety Plans. While all employers currently have a Safety Plan in place in accordance with Public Health Orders, those plans will have to be reviewed and updated as conditions change and in response to the changing Public Health Orders. Step 3 public health orders will continue to recommend masks in public indoor settings.

This update was authored by Rose Keith. Have questions regarding the BC’s restart plan and how it effects your workplace? Contact Rose at [email protected] or anyone else listed on the authors page.