In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, BC’s Ministry of Health, and other industry partners, we have created an FAQ. This will be continually updated, providing information from BC, national, and international partners to give you the information you need as it relates to travel and tourism. It will help you answer questions from your staff, visitors, and partners.
If you have additional tourism-related questions in regard to COVID-19, please contact us at covid19response@destinationbc.ca. We will be working with the appropriate officials to source up-to-date answers for you, so please be patient as we work to address your questions as quickly as possible.
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:
The order applies to:
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:
Those who suspect they might have COVID-19 symptoms, should provide health-care professionals with the following information (via phone):
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:
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
Should you wear a mask?
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.
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:
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.
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:
If you have symptoms and may have been exposed to COVID-19, use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, to help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for the virus. You can complete the assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
To arrange for further assessment or testing, call your local primary care provider or 8-1-1, or for deaf or hard of hearing call 7-1-1.
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