COVID-19 and Public Health Orders Update – March 10, 2022
The March 11 public health update stresses that “individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises.” The BCMA would like to point out to members that museums, galleries, and cultural organizations are allowed to create their own COVID-19 safety plans to ensure the safety of their staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Masks, especially N/KN-95 masks, continue to be an effective tool in reducing the transmission of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. Additionally, many community members are still at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for a variety of reasons and no children under 5 are currently vaccinated. The BCMA urges members to implement safety measures that strive to broadly protect all members of our communities.
If you have questions or uncertainties around how Public Health Orders impact relationships between employers, culture workers and audiences, we encourage members to consult the FAQs and resources created for the Arts Re-Entry Clinic.
Upcoming changes to restrictions
Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.’s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, these activities can return to normal:
- Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order
- Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required
- Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises
- Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
- No restrictions on worship service capacity
- Overnight camps for children and youth allowed
By March 18, there will be no visitor limits at long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities.
When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.
On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services
- Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry
- Proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
- Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing
If there are supports and resources that the BCMA can provide at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
