May 6, 2020: The Government of BC released BC’s Restart Plan, guidelines on the re-opening of the economy and the loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions. Highlights of the re-opening plan and the timeline for the opening of restrictions are listed below.
BC’s Framework for Re-Opening and Repealing COVID Restrictions
- Phase 1
- We are currently in Phase 1
- Phase 2
- Target date: Mid May (after the May long weekend)
- This next phase of repealing COVID restrictions will begin, and will allow for:
- small social gatherings;
- a resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling;
- provincial parks open for day use;
- opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans such as:
- restaurants, hair salons, pubs, dentists, counselors, chiropractors, physiotherapists
- sectors ordered closed will have to have approved re-opening plans
- sectors not ordered closed can continue to open provided they operate safely as per the below guidelines
- Phase 3
- Target date: June to September, 2020
- This next phase will allow for more regular operations of:
- Film/TV productions
- Personal care services and non-medical massage
- Hotels
- Phase 4
- Target date: Not until widespread vaccine use, broad community immunity, or effective COVID-19 treatments are in place
- This phase will then allow for the resumption of concerts, large public gatherings, and conventions
- Target date: Not until widespread vaccine use, broad community immunity, or effective COVID-19 treatments are in place
