PHO Order on Province-wide Restrictions

On November 19, BC’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO), Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced a new order and the extension of some restrictive measures. By order and direction of the PHO, all individuals, places of work and businesses in BC must significantly reduce social interactions and travel. The order and restrictions are in effect until December 7, 2020 at midnight. 

We have outlined the order and restrictions in relation to travel and tourism below, but strongly encourage you to read the Province-wide restrictions page for full details.

Travel Advisory

All British Columbians must avoid non-essential travel within, and to and from BC. This includes travel into and out of BC and between regions of the province. The message is for people to stay local and not travel outside their communities for non-essential reasons.

Travel From Outside of BC

At this time, people travelling to BC from another province or territory within Canada is restricted to essential reasons. Those who have plans to travel for non-essential reasons are being asked to postpone their trips to BC. If people must travel, they are expected to follow the same travel guidelines as everyone else in BC.

• The restriction of all non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border remains in effect.
• Travellers to and from the United States going to and from Alaska must proceed directly to their destination and self-isolate during any necessary overnight stops.
• International travellers returning to BC are required by law to self-quarantine for 14 days and complete the federal ArriveCAN application.

Restaurants and Bars

BC residents must reduce their social interactions as much as possible, including in restaurants and bars. While people can meet other people in a restaurant, they should only visit a restaurant with a small number of people. Restaurants have rules in place, including no more than six people at a table, no table hopping and limited hours of operation and alcohol service. In addition, people must wear masks in restaurants when they are not seated at their table. Restaurants need to continue to follow those rules and not allow for any complacency. Restaurants and bars can continue to operate as long as they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and employee protocols in place. Review the PHO Order – Food and Liquor Serving Premises (PDF).

Social Gatherings and Events

An earlier order limiting social gatherings in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions is being extended to December 7, and now applies to the whole province. All events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended.

Mask Requirements

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

Enforcement

During a public health emergency under the Public Health Act, the PHO can make orders as needed. You must follow the orders. 

For workplaces, in addition to compliance activities by WorkSafe, an Environmental Health Officers team will focus on workplaces in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions to ensure COVID-19 Safety Plan compliance and enable rapid response and action.

DESTINATION BC RESOURCES FOR INDUSTRY

Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry: November 19-December 7

BC tourism businesses can refer to the Messaging Guidance for November 20-December 7 related to the announcement on provincial restrictions. The document includes messaging, a link to visual resources, and a FAQ.

Learn More →

Know Before You Go

BC's tourism businesses have worked hard to keep people safe while they visit, and provide a wonderful way for residents to explore their own communities. Our Know Before You Go page is a great resource for residents and future visitors containing the latest information on current restrictions, attractions, activities, safety and more.

Learn More →

WorkSafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plans for Businesses

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. This tool will guide businesses through a six-step process to help them create their plan. 

Learn More →

HelloBC.com Safety Plan Feature

Businesses can now add a direct link to their COVID-19 Safety Plan to their HelloBC.com listing, so businesses can outline the required steps they have taken to protect consumers and staff. There is no cost to add this feature. 

Learn More →