12 May Restart BC: Protective Measures We’ve Taken in B.C. Have Made a Difference
Protective Measures We’ve Taken in B.C. Have Made a Difference
Around the world, governments have taken different approaches to try to bend and flatten the curve of transmission — from complete lockdowns to quarantines and varying intensities of physical distancing.
From the outset, B.C. established clear guidance, transparency and an evidence-based approach as hallmarks of our fight against COVID-19.
Protective measures B.C. has taken have included:
- Providing physical distancing and hygiene guidelines for people, businesses and essential services to follow
- Banning mass gathering of more than 50 people to reduce the risk of outbreaks
- Closing bars, dine-in service at restaurants, and personal service operators, like barbers and dentists, to reduce the risk of transmission
- Reducing in-classroom learning and child care
- Requiring travellers to develop and stick to a 14-day isolation plan when arriving in B.C. from abroad
- Restricting visitors to health care and assisted living facilities to protect some of our most vulnerable people
- Postponing non-urgent and elective surgeries while maintaining urgent and emergency procedures
Working together we’ve made a lot of progress. These protective measures and restrictions have directly saved lives, but we also know that the public health benefit has come at some expense, including the economic, social and personal well-being of many British Columbians.
How We’ll Keep Transmission Low
What the New Normal Means for You
B.C.’s progress in the fight against COVID-19 is a direct result of the sacrifices and decisions that we have all made. To continue to protect seniors and at risk people and ensure that our health care system can respond to this dangerous virus, means that we all have to keep doing our part – at home, in the community and at work.
Stay at home and keep a safe distance from family when you have cold or flu symptoms, including:
-
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- No handshaking or hugs outside of your family
- Practice good hygiene, including:
- Regular hand washing
- Avoiding touching your face
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Keep physical distancing, as much as possible when in the community and where not possible, consider using a non-medical mask or face covering
And in personal settings when you’re seeing friends and family who don’t live with you:
- Only get together in small groups of around 2 to 6 people and keep a physical distance
- Stay home and away from others if you have cold or flu symptoms
If you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions. Learn more.
How We’ll Start Getting People Back to Work
Unlike many other places that imposed strict “lockdown” policies, B.C.’s approach was to require safe operation of a broad range of services designated as essential services, to protect our health care system and maintain access to key services and supplies. Many non-essential businesses remained open, provided they could operate safely.
A Safer Restart with WorkSafeBC
A Careful Restart
B.C.’s restart will be a careful, step-by-step process to ensure all of our combined efforts and sacrifices are not squandered. BC Restart includes organizations adhering to enhanced protocols aligned with the Public Health and Safety Guidelines.
In some instances, this will require consideration by the Provincial Health Officer of lifting or modifying existing orders before certain businesses re-open. Businesses and organizations that are not covered by a Provincial Health Officer order may re-open or continue to operate but they will be expected to adopt and implement sector safety plans are they are finalized.
- Essential health and health services
- Law enforcement, public safety, first responders and emergency response personnel
- Vulnerable population service providers
- Critical infrastructure
- Food and agriculture service providers
- Transportation
- Industry and manufacturing
- Sanitation
- Communications and information technology
- Financial institutions
- Other non-health essential service providers
Industries that were designated as essential services developed safe operation plans in consultation with WorkSafeBC and in compliance with the public health orders issued by the Provincial Health Officer.
As a result, B.C.’s economy has continued to operate in ways other provinces haven’t. But it’s undeniable that local businesses have suffered.
Many businesses closed for other reasons, including reduced demand, such as in the retail, hospitality and export industries. Others closed to do their part in helping to flatten the curve, protecting their customers and employees.
To help these businesses and other organizations get back on their feet, we need workplace practices that ensure British Columbians feel safe, whether they are returning to work or going out as a customer. That means employers will need to engage with their employees to find the right solutions and consider the concerns and needs of their customers.
Phase 2- Mid-May onwards
Under enhanced protocols:
- Restoration of health services
- Re-scheduling elective surgery
- Medically related services:
- Dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, and chiropractors
- Physical therapy, speech therapy, and similar services
- Retail sector
- Hair salons, barbers, and other personal service establishments
- In-person counselling
- Restaurants, cafes, and pubs (with sufficient distancing measures)
- Museums, art galleries, and libraries
- Office-based worksites
- Recreation and sports
- Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces
- Child care
Phase 3 – June to September
If transmission rates remain low or in decline, under enhanced protocols:
- Hotels and Resorts (June 2020)
- Parks – broader reopening, including some overnight camping (June 2020)
- Film industry – beginning with domestic productions (June/July 2020)
- Select entertainment – movies and symphony, but not large concerts (July 2020)
- Post-secondary education – with mix of online and in-class (September 2020)
- K-12 education – with only a partial return this school year (September 2020)
Phase 4 – To be determined
Conditional on at least one of the following; wide vaccination, “community” immunity, broad successful treatments:
- Activities requiring large gatherings, such as:
- Conventions
- Live audience professional sports
- Concerts
- International tourism
The timing of a safe restart of night clubs, casinos and bars is a more complicated consideration. As with other sectors, industry associations will be expected to develop safe operations plans, for review, that are in keeping with Public Health and Safety Guidelines, as well as WorkSafeBC.
Some Next Steps to Make Life a Little Easier
Reopening our Parks
Reopening B.C.’s iconic parks will come in rapid stages. Our priority is providing safe access and services to people across the province while maintaining the safety of staff and park operators.
BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC will reintroduce services in keeping with direction from the Provincial Health Officer.
Parks Reopen – May 14, 2020
Beginning on May 14, 2020, those BC Parks, recreation sites and trails that can accommodate physical distancing will reopen for day use only.
- This will include day-use sites and protected areas
Parks and recreation sites that can safely provide existing service levels, such as garbage disposal and washroom facilities, will do so.
- These facilities will be cleaned more frequently
Some areas and facilities remain closed, including playgrounds, picnic shelters and visitor centres.
- Check the BC Parks website for the most up to date information