We understand updates have been arriving regularly, and it can be tough to keep track of the latest news. While we are no longer updating this page, you can follow the latest Government of Canada Covid-19 Announcements and the BC Gov News. The Government of British Columbia also streams live press conferences.
For information on financial supports designed to help individuals and businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, read the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and the Government of British Columbia’s StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan.
As the situation continues to develop, these resources will be updated to ensure every Canadian is receiving the assistance they need.
The B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service provides guidance and answers questions relating to COVID-19 resources and support programs. Whether you’re an individual or business owner, our team is available to answer any questions you have about COVID-19 supports and your unique circumstances.
Proof of Vaccination Requirement Starts - September 13th, 2021
Some events, services and businesses are now required to check a person's proof of vaccination for access to their venue or space. The requirements are made by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).
Get full, up-to-date information about how to verify vaccination status, enforcement, impact on workers, and more at these links:
- WorkSafe BC: COVID-19 BC Vaccine Card
- Government of BC: Proof of vaccination information for businesses
- Government of BC: Proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine Card
B.C. Launches Proof of Vaccination Requirement - August 23rd, 2021
Starting September 13th, 2021, to enter certain spaces, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, like conferences and weddings, people aged 12 and older will be required to show their proof of vaccination.
- As of September 13th, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings
- By October 24th, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated at least seven days after receiving both doses
Learn more about proof of vaccination requirements and the B.C. vaccine card.
Federal and Provincial Programs Ending Today - June 30th, 2021
The following programs are closing on June 30th, 2021:
- The Regional Recovery Relief Fund (RRRF): Loan applications will no longer be accepted after June 30th, 2021.
- The Canada Emergency Bank Account (CEBA): New applicants have until end of today, June 30th to apply for the $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion, from their financial institution. Some businesses may be eligible for the Highly Affected Sectors Program (HASCAP), which has been extended until December 31st, 2021.
- The BC Recovery Benefit (BCRB): This program ends on June 30th, 2021 at 5pm for phone applications, and midnight for online applications.
B.C. Moves into Step 3 of the BC's Restart Plan - June 29th, 2021
British Columbia is transitioning into Step 3 of the BC’s Restart plan on July 1st, 2021. Nearly 80% of adults are vaccinated with their first dose, and COVID-19 cases continue to decline.
During Step 3, businesses will gradually transition to new communicable disease plans. These guidelines were developed in consultation with public health and businesses will continue to be supported by WorkSafeBC and the PHO as they transition.
These plans will continue to include physical barriers at many business and retail settings. Capacity limits, formal health screening tests and directional arrows, as well as other physical distancing measures will no longer be required. However, they may still be used during this transition period.
Mask wearing is still recommended in indoor public spaces for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.
Moving from Step 2 to Step 3 also includes:
- return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
- maximum capacity for indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater
- maximum capacity for outdoor organized gatherings of 5,000 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater
- return to normal for fairs, festivals and trade shows, with communicable disease plans
- return to Canada-wide recreational travel
- reopening of casinos, with reduced capacity and ~50% of gaming stations permitted to open
- reopening of nightclubs, with up to 10 people seated at tables, no socializing between tables and no dancing
- return to normal hours for liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs with table limits to be determined by venue and no socializing between tables
- return to normal for sports and exercise facilities, with communicable disease plans
New Guidelines for Businesses Transitioning From Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans - June 28th, 2021
During Step 3, businesses will gradually transition to new communicable disease plans. WorkSafeBC has developed guidelines in consultation with public health. Businesses will continue to be supported by WorkSafeBC and the PHO as they transition.
These plans will continue to include physical barriers at many business and retail settings. Capacity limits, formal health screening tests and directional arrows, as well as other physical distancing measures will no longer be required. However, they may still be used during this transition period.
- Preparing for Step 3 of BC’s Restart: Communicable disease prevention
- Provincial Health Officer Statement for Employers on Transitioning from COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Plans
- Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers
