BC's Restart is a four-step plan for safe reopening. The plan focuses on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal. We are currently in Step 3.
Latest Update - September 13th, 2021: Some businesses need proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses.
- 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
Latest Update - June 30th, 2021: BC's Restart is moving to Step 3 on July 1st, 2021. This means that businesses should begin transitioning from COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease prevention.
About BC's Restart Plan
BC's Restart is a careful, four-step plan to bring B.C. back together. Starting May 25th, 2021 we gradually began to restart our important social connections, businesses, and activities.
Getting vaccinated is the most important tool supporting our restart.
What are the Four Steps?
Moving through the four steps depends on achieving target rates of vaccination, and declining rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The Province-wide mask regulations, business safety protocols, and physical distancing measures will remain in place at least until early July. No matter which step we are in, we should all still follow health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including practicing physical distancing and good hygiene.
Key points relating to small businesses in Steps 3 and 4 are outlined below. To read the complete details, including complete Steps 1 and 2, visit www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc.
- Step 1: Starting May 25th, 2021
- Step 2: Earliest start date June 15th, 2021
- Step 3: Earliest start date July 1st, 2021 - CURRENT STEP
- Step 4: Earliest start date September 7th, 2021
Step 3: Earliest start date July 1st, 2021 - CURRENT STEP
70% of adult population with Dose 1
Cases low, COVID-19 hospitalizations declining
- Provincial state of emergency and public health emergency lifted
- Returning to usual for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
- Increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with safety plans
- Nightclubs and casinos reopen with capacity limits and safety plans
- New public health and workplace guidance around personal protective equipment, physical distancing and business protocols
Step 4: Earliest start date September 7th, 2021
More than 70% of adult population with Dose 1
Cases low and stable (contained clusters), COVID-19 hospitalizations low
- Returning to normal social contact
- Increased capacity at larger organized gatherings
- Businesses operating with new safety plans
Useful Resources
- 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
- WorkSafeBC communicable disease prevention FAQs
