The Province of British Columbia has developed a Covid-19 Immunization Plan which is planned to happen in 4 phases. Provincial restrictions have also been set in place to curb transmission, including PHO orders on masks in public indoor settings, bars and restaurants, and events and gatherings.
Covid-19 Immunization Plan
The immunization plan is divided into four phases, with phases 1 and 2 focusing on vulnerable populations and phases 3 and 4 covering the general population. Phase 1 includes isolated and remote Indigenous communities, essential visitors to assisted living residencies and long-term care facilities, and staff and residents of assisted living facilities. Phase 1 also includes frontline healthcare workers in surgical and medical units, paramedics, emergency departments, and intensive care units. Phase 2 runs from February to March and covers personnel in nursing and home support services, senior citizens aged 80 and over, and medical specialists, community general practitioners, and hospital staff. Indigenous communities not yet immunized and vulnerable persons in congregated settings are also covered.
Immunization clinics are found in settings such as community halls, convention halls, arenas, and school gymnasiums. Individuals who are homebound and rural communities will be served by mobile clinics. There are two options for pre-registration – by phone and online. When contacted to confirm a vaccine appointment, individuals are asked to indicate time, date, and location and to complete a pre-screening. At the clinic, all residents are expected to complete a check-in process and then get their vaccine.
The easing of current restrictions depends on different factors such as the capacity of the healthcare system, transmission rates, and number of individuals who get the vaccine.
Restrictions
Province-wide restrictions have been set in place with regard to events and gatherings in vacation accommodations and residencies. Residents are asked not to host playdates, gather on driveways, patios, and backyards, and invite extended family. Certain activities are allowed under the current order, including public skating rinks and pools, grandparents looking after children, carpooling children to school, and hiking and going for a walk.
Cultural events are not allowed, including cinema movie viewings, silent auctions, galas, and theatre and musical performances. Drive-in events are not prohibited provided that they take place with a limited number of visitors. Such events include religious services and drive-in movies. A Covid-19 Safety Plan should be followed for drop-off evens like toy drives and fundraisers. Organizers must avoid congestion, control exit and entry, and ensure that visitors maintain physical distancing.
High intensity indoor classes have been suspended, including high intensity interval training, aerobics, spin classes, and yoga. Low intensity group exercise is allowed, for example, stretching, light weightlifting, Pilates, and low intensity cardio equipment. Both outdoor and indoor team sports for adults aged 22 and older are prohibited, including sports such as lawn bowling, ice hockey, team skating, and road hockey.
Bars, pubs, and restaurants are allowed to continue to operate provided that they have a Covid-19 Safety Plan. Alcohol-based sanitizers and hand washing facilities must be made available, with signs reminding customers to sanitize hands before touching drinks and food that are intended for self-service.
Masks are required in indoor settings such as coffee shops, airports, grocery stores, and shopping centres. Other places where masks are required include fitness facilities, places of worship, recreation centres, and on public transportation. It is also recommended to wear a mask in places such as stairwells, lobbies, hallways, and elevators. The same goes for shared indoor workplace settings such as break rooms and kitchens.