In an effort to slow the spread of the surging Omicron variant, the Province of B.C. announced new restrictions that will take effect this evening, Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 11:59 pm, and remain in place until January, 18, 2022:

• No indoor organized gatherings of any size (e.g. weddings, receptions, Christmas parties, celebratory events, etc.)
• Bars and nightclubs ordered to close.
• Gyms, fitness centres and dance studios ordered to close.
• Seated events reduced to 50% capacity regardless of venue size. Vaccination checks and masks are mandatory.
• Maximum of six per table at restaurants, cafes, pub, etc.
• Personal gatherings limited to your household plus one other household or 10 guests, all vaccinated remains in place.

These restrictions are in addition to those previously announced, and will remain in place until Jan. 31st at the earliest:

• Indoor personal gatherings, including rental vacation properties, are limited to the household or resident plus 10 other individuals if they are all vaccinated.
• Sports tournaments are cancelled.
• BC Vaccine Card QR codes will need to be scanned for entry to any organized event.
• All organized New Year’s Eve events are cancelled.
• Restaurants must restrict movement and mingling between tables at all times.
• Retail stores need to have COVID-19 safety plans in place for holiday and Boxing Day sales to avoid crowding.

Additionally, masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people born in 2016 or earlier (5+). For those living in congregate settings such as apartment and condominium buildings, this includes all indoor public amenity spaces like lobbies, elevators and hallways.

Announced earlier in the month, long-term care facilities have stricter guidelines in place to protect vulnerable residents and staff.  All the provincewide regulations can be found here: Provincial and regional restrictions – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)