In March 2020, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic. WorkSafeBC required employers to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlined the protocols and policies in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. Employers were required by order of the provincial health officer to post a copy of these COVID-19 Safety Plans.

As vaccinations have become widely available to British Columbians, the overall risk of COVID-19 transmission is reduced. However, the virus may still circulate, as will the viruses for other communicable diseases, such as seasonal influenza, norovirus, and others.

The B.C. government’s Restart plan outlines the four steps to reduce restrictions in public spaces and in workplaces. Step 3 began on July 1, 2021, and started a transition period in how COVID-19 is managed in workplaces.

We are in STEP 3

PHO order on masks in public indoor settings (updated September 28)

By order of the provincial health officer (PHO), masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people born in 2016 or earlier (5+). For more information, including the public places where this applies and information about exemptions, see:

• PHO province-wide restrictions
• PHO order: Face coverings (COVID-19)

PHO announces proof of vaccination requirement effective September 13 (posted August 23)

By order of the provincial health officer (PHO), proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services, and businesses beginning on September 13. Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about the proof of vaccination requirement.

SOURCES:

Step 3 of BC’s Restart: Communicable disease prevention

BC’s Restart: A plan to bring us back together

HELLO BC: KNOW BEFORE YOUR GO