FAQs: Tourism businesses and accommodation

• The latest health recommendations regarding travel apply to the entire province. All British Columbians are being asked to avoid non-essential travel until further notice.
• With rising COVID-19 cases throughout BC and across Canada, the PHO is urging all British Columbians to continue to press pause on non-essential travel. This includes a temporary pause on inter-provincial and travel throughout BC.
• All British Columbians are being asked to “stay local”, to remain in their own community.
• Measures will continue to be assessed on an ongoing basis, and the recommendations are in place until further notice.

• While there are to be no social gatherings, people are not restricted from going to local businesses, within their own local community, with their immediate household members or smaller bubble of 1-2 people.
• Businesses can welcome local customers (members of the same household or smaller bubbles of 1-2 people only), from their own community, as long as they have a current COVID-19 safety plan is in place.
• All businesses are encouraged to constantly review their COVID-19 safety plans.
• For businesses with a listing on HelloBC.com, please update your information to add your safety plan to your listing. You can log on to the portal, here: https://destinationbc.force.com/s/

• Tourism businesses can continue to welcome local customers (household members and bubbles of 1-2), from their own community, as long as their approved COVID-19 safety plan is in place and posted publicly.
• Tourism partners can use this messaging guidance to help businesses, available here: https://www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19

• Travel to BC is limited to essential travel only for the time-being.
• People should only travel in and out of BC if absolutely necessary. Essential travel includes regular travel for work, or travel for things like medical appointments. Travel for social or recreational reasons should be curtailed until further notice.
• BC’s Provincial Health Officer has requested that people delay or postpone their trips, such as visiting friends and family, until the risk of spreading COVID-19 is reduced in BC. Those who live outside of BC should not visit unless it is urgently required. If they must visit, they must abide with all current health orders and recommendations.

• Promoting travel around BC, at this time, would be in conflict with the PHO recommendations and is not advised.
• Tourism partners should focus on local residents only, encouraging British Columbians to support local businesses or explore their own community, safely.
• Messaging promoting travel in the future should be worded carefully to ensure there is no confusion for the public.
• The PHO understands that many hotels, resorts and winter communities are counting on British Columbians travelling within their own province this winter. And they still hope this will be possible. But we all need to follow the direction of the PHO, to allow our businesses, schools and the economy to remain open.
  • The Province needs to continue to get the transmission rate down, and this will take a commitment from all of us, including limiting travel right now.

• Each individual business must work to ensure they are following the Provincial Health Orders/Recommendations and WorkSafeBC guidelines for safe operations.
• If a business has a concern that individuals are not adhering to the orders, they can contact Public Health Inspectors, Bylaw Officers and the Police.
  • The PHO expects all businesses to do what they can to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Dr. Henry has asked people to reconsider their vacation plans at this time. Health orders and recommendations will be constantly reviewed over the next month.

• In-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended, though certain exceptions apply.

• As outlined in the mask mandate order, masks are required for everyone in many public indoor settings. A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.
• Additional info can be found here:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparednessresponse-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

• The latest health recommendations regarding travel apply to the entire province. All British Columbians are being asked to avoid non-essential travel until midnight on February 5.
• With rising COVID-19 cases throughout BC and across Canada, the PHO is urging all British Columbians to continue to press pause on non-essential travel. This includes a temporary pause on inter-provincial and travel throughout BC.
• All British Columbians are being asked to “stay local”, to remain in their own community.
• Measures will continue to be assessed between now and
  February 5.

• While there are to be no social gatherings, people are not restricted from going to local businesses, within their own local community, with their immediate household members or smaller bubble of 1–2 people.
• Businesses can welcome local customers (members of the same household or smaller bubbles of 1–2 people only), from their own community, as long as they have a current COVID-19 safety plan is in place.
• All businesses are encouraged to constantly review their COVID-19 safety plans. To learn more about WorkSafe BC’s COVID-19 safety plans, check here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/checklist/covid-19-safetyplan?lang=en
• For businesses with a listing on HelloBC.com, please update your information to add your safety plan to your listing. You can log on to the portal, here: https://destinationbc.force.com/s/

• Tourism businesses can continue to welcome local customers (household members and bubbles of 1–2), from their own community, as long as their approved COVID-19 safety plan is in place and posted publicly.
• Tourism partners can use this messaging guidance to help businesses, available here: https://www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/messaging-toolkit/

• Travel to BC is limited to essential travel only for the time-being.
• People should only travel in and out of BC if absolutely necessary. Essential travel includes regular travel for work, or travel for things like medical appointments. Travel for social or recreational reasons should be curtailed until at least February 5.
• BC’s Provincial Health Officer has requested that people delay or postpone their trips, such as visiting friends and family, until the risk of spreading COVID-19 is reduced in BC. Those who live outside of BC should not visit unless it is urgently required. If they must visit, they must abide with all current health orders and recommendations.

• Promoting travel around BC, at this time, would be in conflict with the PHO recommendations and is not advised.
• Tourism partners should focus on local residents only, encouraging British Columbians to support local businesses or explore their own community, safely.
• Messaging promoting travel in the future, beyond February 5 should be worded carefully to ensure there is no confusion for the public.
• The PHO understands that many hotels, resorts and winter communities are counting on British Columbians travelling within their own province this winter. And they still hope this will be possible. But we all need to follow the direction of the PHO, to allow our businesses, schools and the economy to remain open.
• The Province needs to get the transmission rate under control, immediately, and this will take a commitment from all of us, including limiting travel right now.

• Each individual business must work to ensure they are following the Provincial Health Orders/Recommendations and WorkSafeBC guidelines for safe operations.
• If a business has a concern that individuals are not adhering to the orders, they can contact Public Health Inspectors, Bylaw Officers and the Police.
• The PHO expects all businesses to do what they can to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Dr. Henry has asked people to reconsider their vacation plans at this time. Health orders and recommendations will be constantly reviewed between now and February 5.

• In-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order—Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended. Certain exceptions apply, including Seasonal activities, including indoor and outdoor holiday events (with the exception of drive-in and drop-off events).

• As outlined in the mask mandate order, masks are required for everyone in many public indoor settings. A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.
• Additional information can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support

• The latest health recommendations regarding travel apply to the entire province. All British Columbians are being asked to avoid non-essential travel until midnight on January 8.
• With rising COVID-19 cases throughout BC and across Canada, the PHO is urging all British Columbians to continue to press pause on non-essential travel. This includes a temporary pause on inter-provincial and travel throughout BC.
• All British Columbians are being asked to “stay local”, to remain in their own community.
• Measures will continue to be assessed between now and
  January 8.

• While there are to be no social gatherings, people are not restricted from going to local businesses, within their own local community, with their immediate household members or smaller bubble of 1–2 people.
• Businesses can welcome local customers (members of the same household or smaller bubbles of 1–2 people only), from their own community, as long as they have a current COVID-19 safety plan is in place.
• All businesses are encouraged to constantly review their COVID-19 safety plans. To learn more about WorkSafe BC’s COVID-19 safety plans, check here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/checklist/covid-19-safetyplan?lang=en
• For businesses with a listing on HelloBC.com, please update your information to add your safety plan to your listing. You can log on to the portal, here: https://destinationbc.force.com/s/

• Tourism businesses can continue to welcome local customers (household members and bubbles of 1–2), from their own community, as long as their approved COVID-19 safety plan is in place and posted publicly.
• Tourism partners can use this messaging guidance to help businesses, available here: https://www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/messaging-toolkit/

• Travel to BC is limited to essential travel only for the time-being.
• People should only travel in and out of BC if absolutely necessary. Essential travel includes regular travel for work, or travel for things like medical appointments. Travel for social or recreational reasons should be curtailed until at least January 8.
• BC’s Provincial Health Officer has requested that people delay or postpone their trips, such as visiting friends and family, until the risk of spreading COVID-19 is reduced in BC. Those who live outside of BC should not visit unless it is urgently required. If they must visit, they must abide with all current health orders and recommendations.

• Promoting travel around BC, at this time, would be in conflict with the PHO recommendations and is not advised.
• Tourism partners should focus on local residents only, encouraging British Columbians to support local businesses or explore their own community, safely.
• Messaging promoting travel in the future, beyond January 8 should be worded carefully to ensure there is no confusion for the public.
• The PHO understands that many hotels, resorts and winter communities are counting on British Columbians travelling within their own province this winter. And they still hope this will be possible. But we all need to follow the direction of the PHO, to allow our businesses, schools and the economy to remain open.
• The Province needs to get the transmission rate under control, immediately, and this will take a commitment from all of us, including limiting travel right now.

• Each individual business must work to ensure they are following the Provincial Health Orders/Recommendations and WorkSafeBC guidelines for safe operations.
• If a business has a concern that individuals are not adhering to the orders, they can contact Public Health Inspectors, Bylaw Officers and the Police.
• The PHO expects all businesses to do what they can to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Dr. Henry has asked people to reconsider their vacation plans at this time. Health orders and recommendations will be constantly reviewed between now and January 8.

• In-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order—Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended. Certain exceptions apply, including Seasonal activities, including indoor and outdoor holiday events (with the exception of drive-in and drop-off events).

• As outlined in the mask mandate order, masks are required for everyone in many public indoor settings. A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.
• Additional information can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support

• The latest health recommendations regarding travel apply to the entire province. All British Columbians are being asked to avoid non-essential travel until midnight on December 7.
• With rising COVID-19 cases throughout BC and across Canada, the PHO is urging all British Columbians to immediately press pause on non-essential travel. This includes a temporary pause on inter-provincial and travel throughout BC.
• All British Columbians are being asked to “stay local”, to remain in their own community.
• Measures will continue to be assessed between now and December 7.

• While there are to be no social gatherings, people are not restricted from going to local businesses, within their own local community, with their immediate household members or smaller bubble of 1–2 people.
• Businesses can welcome local customers (members of the same household or smaller bubbles of 1–2 people only), from their own community, as long as they have a current COVID-19 safety plan is in place.
• All businesses are encouraged to constantly review their COVID-19 safety plans. Learn more about WorkSafe BC’s COVID-19 safety plans.
• For businesses with a listing on HelloBC.com, please update your information to add your safety plan to your listing. You can log on to the portal, here: https://destinationbc.force.com/s/

• Tourism businesses can continue to welcome local customers (household members and bubbles of 1–2), from their own community, as long as their approved COVID-19 safety plan is in place and posted publicly.
• Tourism partners can use this messaging guidance to help businesses, available here: https://www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/messaging-toolkit/

• Travel to BC is limited to essential travel only for the time-being.
• People should only travel in and out of BC if absolutely necessary. Essential travel includes regular travel for work, or travel for things like medical appointments. Travel for social o recreational reasons should be curtailed until at least December 7.
• BC’s Provincial Health Officer has requested that people delay or postpone their trips, such as visiting friends and family, until the risk of spreading COVID-19 is reduced in BC. Those who live outside of BC should not visit unless it is urgently required. If they must visit, they must abide with all current health orders and recommendations.

• Promoting travel around BC, at this time, would be in conflict with the PHO recommendations and is not advised.
• Tourism partners should focus on local residents only, encouraging British Columbians to support local businesses or explore their own community, safely.
• Messaging promoting travel in the future, beyond December 7 should be worded carefully to ensure there is no confusion for the public.
• The PHO understands that many hotels, resorts and winter communities are counting on British Columbians travelling within their own province this winter. And they still hope this will be possible. But we all need to follow the direction of the PHO, to allow our businesses, schools and the economy to remain open.
• The Province needs to get the transmission rate under control, immediately, and this will take a commitment from all of us, including limiting travel right now.

• Each individual business must work to ensure they are following the Provincial Health Orders/Recommendations and WorkSafeBC guidelines for safe operations.
• If a business has a concern that individuals are not adhering to the orders, they can contact Public Health Inspectors, Bylaw Officers and the Police.
• The PHO expects all businesses to do what they can to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Dr. Henry has asked people to reconsider their vacation plans at this time. Health orders and recommendations will be constantly reviewed between now and December 7.

On June 24, 2020, Premier Horgan announced that British Columbia is taking the next step in BC’s Restart Plan with a gradual transition to Phase 3, including the smart, safe and respectful return of travel and tourism within the province.

In alignment with Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, Destination BC has launched a new chapter of its successful Explore BC campaigns: an extensive domestic marketing campaign encouraging BC residents to plan and book their trips for travel throughout the province this summer and into the fall.

The campaign is designed to promote safe travel practices, re-ignite BC’s tourism industry revenue, promote BC tourism businesses and destinations, and rekindle British Columbians’ curiosity and passion for the place they live. Once appropriate, the campaign will later extend into Alberta and the rest of Canada.

Please join our bi-weekly industry calls for the latest updates, subscribe to our industry newsletter, and find us on our corporate social media channels: Twitter and LinkedIn.

We are now in Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, which permits province-wide travel. As venture further afield and share BC’s beauty, we need to remember that like other activities during the pandemic, vacations and BC-wide travel will be different this year.

As an industry, we must encourage travellers to take more time with planning, and be more conscious of the impact on communities—especially the smaller ones, when they visit. As a starting point, Destination BC has compiled 10 tips to help people plan and travel responsibly in BC this summer.

By following the foundational rules that have allowed our province to enter Phase 3—physical distancing, staying home when sick, hand hygiene, wearing masks when necessary, and other protective measures—we can continue on this path together and encourage travellers to explore our province, safely.

WorkSafeBC has released guidelines for businesses and organizations in Phase 2 and 3 of BC’s Restart Plan to help them develop their COVID-19 Safety Plans to reopen safely.

Many BC tourism businesses will also benefit from the additional resources compiled by go2HR. To support industry, go2HR has rounded up several industry associations’ sector specific guidance, and provided a 4-step recommendation on how to use these guides along with WorkSafeBC protocols to build a robust COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business.

For more information, please visit Destination BC’s Operating Guidelines page.

Find full details of the October 9 Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Food and Liquor Serving Premises Public Order for owners and operators of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, cafeterias and food primary and liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms and private clubs.

The Provincial Health Officer released an updated order on Friday, October 30, in relation to Gatherings and Events. This latest order repeals and replaces the order, dated October 9, with respect to Gathering and Events, and provides written confirmation of Dr Henry’s verbal order issued on October 26. The order includes:

• Limiting social gatherings in vacation accommodation and private residences to six, in addition to the occupants. This number is only permitted if there is sufficient space to allow individuals who do not reside together to maintain a distance of two metres from one another.
• Dancing and Karaoke are not permitted at any event. (Previously, this was only the case when events were held at food and liquor serving premises).
• Following an event and before a subsequent event commences, the venue must be cleaned, sanitized and ventilated without any patrons being present. There is no longer a minimum one-hour waiting period between events, as long as the allotted time allows for adequate cleaning and ventilation.

The order applies to:

• Owners and operators of banquet halls, vacation accomodation, places (including premises subject to the food and liquor serving premises order), and private residences and guests.
• Occupants of vacation accomodation and guests, persons who organize events, and persons who attend events.
• Medical health officers.

Find full details of the October 30 Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Gathering and Events Public Order

Find all Orders, Notices and Guidance issued by the Provincial Health Officer.

As restrictions are eased, it is important to know what to do in suspected cases of COVID-19, to ensure we do our part to protect the progress we have made.

The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, can help determine whether further assessment or testing for the virus. Visitors or staff members can complete the assessment for themselves, or on behalf of someone else.

To arrange for further assessment or testing for COVID-19, call your local primary care provider or 8-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 7-1-1. This is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line operated by HealthLinkBC. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.

Note:

• Anyone returning to Canada from abroad, including from the US, must stay self-isolate for 14 days on their return.
• Anyone who begins to feel ill can call the local healthcare provider or the 8-1-1 or 7-1-1 numbers above.
• Anyone can seek medical attention at local hospitals or urgent care centres. However, it is important to call ahead to your local hospital, doctor or urgent care centre first.
• Where language may be a barrier, businesses can provide support by offering to contact a health-care professional on their behalf.

Those who suspect they might have COVID-19 symptoms, should provide health-care professionals with the following information (via phone):

• Symptoms;
• Where they have been travelling, working or living;
• If they had close contact with a sick person, especially someone with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Find the nearest hospital or health centre here.

Please follow the direction of your local health authority. Call 8-1-1 (or 7-1-1 for the deaf or hard of hearing) for advice and provide them with information about your business, number of staff/visitors, and general operations.

For any health measures or sanitation precautions that need to be taken, please refer to BC’s health experts at the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The plan follows six distinct steps.

While employers are not required to submit plans to WorkSafeBC for approval, in accordance with the order of the Provincial Health Officer, this plan must be posted at the worksite. During a WorkSafeBC inspection, inspectors will ask employers about the steps they have taken to protect their workers or to see the plan if it has been developed.

Employers must also ensure they are abiding by any relevant orders, notices, or guidance issued by the Provincial Health Officer and the health authority relevant to their workplace.

Learn more by visiting WorkSafeBC’s Returning to Safe Operations page and visiting the Province of BC’s Phase 3 page.

Gatherings larger than 50 people are not permitted in British Columbia until further notice. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, tours and other similar events.

For further information, refer to Public Health Agency of Canada’s Risk Considerations when deciding whether to postpone or cancel your tour.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the following sanitary/preventative measures should be taken.

Perform routine environmental cleaning:

• Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
• Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used/touches surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

Handwashing and other

The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth. You can also practice respiratory etiquette and social distancing.

To help reduce your risk of infection

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection
• If a sink is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them
• Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Follow good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
• Maintain social distancing by keeping at least 2 metres distance between yourself and others
• Avoid shaking hands

Should you wear a mask?

• Wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19
• A disposable face mask can only be used once
• If you are healthy, wearing a non-medical or cloth mask or face covering is a matter of personal choice and it might help to protect others. This is because some people can spread the virus when they have very mild symptoms or may not know that they are infected. In this case, wearing a mask can help protect others by containing your own droplets when talking, laughing, singing, coughing, or sneezing.

Remember, any mask, no matter how good it is at catching droplets or how well it seals, will have minimal effect if it is not used together with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

Source: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Housing for workers is typically provided as part of the remuneration package outlined in collective agreements or employment contracts rather than in legislation or regulation. Employers should review their obligations under their collective agreements, employment contracts or company policies. If employers are unsure, they should seek legal advice based on their unique situation. We all know that this is an incredibly difficult time for business and their employees, and we’re encouraging everyone to work together to find workable solutions to the exceptional problems we are all facing.

Go to travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada.

On March 25, the Government of Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-quarantine for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. Travellers entering Canada must continue to follow the rules set out by the Emergency Orders under the Quarantine Act.

On November 2, the Government of Canada announced new mandatory requirements for travellers to Canada. This includes requirements to provide a quarantine plan and contact and travel information.

Unless exempt, all travellers to BC or Canada are required by law to self-quarantine for 14 days and complete the federal ArriveCAN application prior to their return or upon arrival. There are still travel restrictions in place that limit who can travel to Canada.

In addition to the federal ArriveCAN Application, travellers arriving in BC are encouraged to complete a BC self-quarantine plan. Travellers who do not have an appropriate place to self-quarantine must go to a place designated by the Provincial Health Officer. Learn more on the provincial government’s Self-quarantine on return to BC page.

Travellers can find updated information on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19: Travel, quarantine and borders page.

More information on travel can be found here on the BC CDC’s Travel page.

British Columbia is now in Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, which means people can take part in smart, safe, and respectful travel within the province.

Here are important things to keep in mind and practice:

“Know before you go”
Even when travelling to another community you know well, it’s important to take more time with planning, and be more conscious of your impact on communities. As a starting point, Destination BC has compiled 10 tips to help you plan and travel responsibly in BC this summer. You can find the latest visitor information on HelloBC’s Know Before You Go page.

Be respectful of communities you plan to visit
While some towns and communities are eager to welcome visitors with safety measures in place, others might be hesitant—everyone must respect local travel advisories from communities that are not ready for visitors. Responsible tourism means that the experience creates a positive impact for all involved–not just the traveller. Keep in mind that you’re a guest of your fellow BC residents when travelling, and respect local guidelines and protocols they’ve put in place in their community during this time.

Be prepared to practice the same precautions away, as you would at home
For example, maintaining 2 metre physical distancing with people outside your travel group and other protective measures. Visit the BC CDC Prevention and Risks page for all precautionary measures to take.

Those travelling to BC from another province or territory within Canada are expected to follow the same Guidelines for BC Travel as British Columbians to ensure the well-being of all.

Here are important things to keep in mind and practice:

“Know before you go”
Even when travelling to another community you know well, it’s important to take more time with planning, and be more conscious of your impact on communities. As a starting point, Destination BC has compiled 10 tips to help you plan and travel responsibly in BC this summer. You can find the latest visitor information on HelloBC’s Know Before You Go page.

Be respectful of communities you plan to visit
While some towns and communities are eager to welcome visitors with safety measures in place, others might be hesitant—everyone must respect local travel advisories from communities that are not ready for visitors. Responsible tourism means that the experience creates a positive impact for all involved–not just the traveller. Keep in mind that you’re a guest of your fellow BC residents when travelling, and respect local guidelines and protocols they’ve put in place in their community during this time.

Be prepared to practice the same precautions away, as you would at home
For example, maintaining 2 metre physical distancing with people outside your travel group and other protective measures. Visit the BC CDC Prevention and Risks page for all precautionary measures to take.

Most communities have a Visitor Centre that will be happy to assist you, and many communities have provided us with a list of what is open. Click here to access what is available in the community you may be visiting.

For more information on inter-provincial travel, visit BC’s Travel Affected by COVID-19 page.

Air operators have been formally mandated to prevent any travellers with symptoms to board a plane at point of origin, meaning anyone who has symptoms will not be able to come to Canada.

There are also travel restrictions that limit who can travel to Canada.

All people entering Canada by air, sea, or land are required to self-isolate for 14 days even if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Go to the Government of Canada for the latest travel information, travel alerts and advice for travellers without symptoms returning to Canada.

International borders are a federal decision in conversation with the province and assessed risk levels, and border re-openings will depend on the circumstances here and in the country of origin.

For more information, visit BC’s Travel Affected by COVID-19 page.

You can also check the Government of Canada and Canada Border Services Agency for the latest.

On May 14, RSTBC re-opened many recreation sites, beaches, picnic areas, outhouses and boat launches for day-use.

On June 1, RSTBC re-opened most recreation sites to camping.

• To ensure physical distancing, you may notice some changes in campgrounds, including additional spacing between campsites and limitations on the number of guests in campgrounds
• Backcountry cabins will remain closed

Recreation sites that attract large crowds may remain closed until it is safe to reopen at a later date.

For more information, please visit Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

On May 14, BC Parks began to re-open the majority of provincial parks and protected areas and marine parks.

On June 1, BC Parks plans to re-open many provincial campgrounds and back-country camping. To ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay, while adhering to the latest health directive, they released the Visitor Guide to Camping during COVID-19, which outlines need-to-know information for visitors. We also encourage you to look through the Discover Camping FAQs and Re-opening FAQs, share with your networks, and help British Columbians enjoy BC Parks sites safely!

For more information, please visit the BC Parks website. 

All marine passenger vessels, including essential passenger vessels such as ferries and water taxis, must continue following provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority guidance. These could include: reducing the number of passengers, ensuring physical distancing, the wearing of masks, as well as enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.

Restrictive measures banning cruise ships and pleasure craft carrying more than 100 passengers from operating in Canadian waters have been extended until February 28, 2021.

The Provincial Health Officer released an updated order on Tuesday, November 10, in relation to Gatherings and Events. On November 19, new province-wide restrictions were released which cover the November 10 order. The November 19 restrictions include:

• All events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended, including:
  • Galas
  • Musical or theatre performances
  • Seasonal activities
  • Silent auctions

Public safety is the number one priority. If an individual is showing symptoms, BC Public Health authorities are asking those individuals to self-isolate in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Masks are now mandatory in all retail environments and indoor public spaces, including common areas of workplaces, except when eating or drinking.

Masks are now required for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces. People who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt. Masks for children under the age of 2 is not recommended.

• Employers are expected to inform customers and employees of the mandatory mask policy
• A customer can be refused entry or service if they do not wear a mask

Masks are required in all indoor public settings and all retail stores. This includes:

Masks are required in all workplaces for shared work areas and areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes: