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Beginning Monday, B.C. households can only have a maximum of 10 other people at holiday gatherings, and large venues will be restricted to 50 per cent capacity.
Screen grab from Province of BC YouTube
B.C. announces new pandemic restrictions
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 1:35 PST, Fri December 17, 2021
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For a second consecutive Christmas, large gatherings will not be possible in B.C due to the spread of COVID-19.
The Omicron variant, which is causing rapid spread in many parts of the world, is replacing other variants, driving transmission and increasing case rates locally. Most cases at the moment are among younger people and result in milder illness, said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. But the rapidly rising case numbers pose a risk of overwhelming the hospital system.
“This is of course not where we want to be,” said Henry. “But it is the reality of where we are. Right now we need to slow the spread and ensure that our healthcare system and our communities are protected.”
From Monday (Dec. 20) through Jan. 31, indoor personal gatherings—including in rental and vacation properties—are restricted to the household/residents plus 10 other people or one additional household, if all people are vaccinated. Those with unvaccinated family or household members cannot have parties or gatherings.
Organized events of all sizes will need to use the BC Vaccine Card program and ensure QR codes are scanned. Venues that fit 1,000 people or more will need to reduce capacity to 50 per cent. All sports tournaments and related travel are suspended.
Organized New Year’s Eve gatherings and events can only take place if they are seated-only, with no mingling or dancing allowed. Restaurants can remain open for individual tables to be seated and served, but mixing between tables is no longer allowed.
Retail stores must have COVID-19 safety plans in place for holiday and Boxing Day sales.
“What we want to do right now is limit those holiday gatherings to be only with our family and close friends,” said Henry.
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