Numerous businesses ordered to close as new restrictions are implemented

The rule on personal gatherings is still in effect, as they’re still limited to two households or ten guests, all vaccinated. Meanwhile, all organized gatherings are still required to scan the BC Vaccine card.

“We’re following the same trajectory of other countries around the world,” explained Provincial Health Officer, Dr.Bonnie Henry.

Rapid tests are expected to become more accessible, similar to other jurisdictions in Canada. BC is expecting delivery of a significant volume of tests in mid/late January. BC has requested at least 11 million of the 84 million tests that are expected to arrive in Canada. The province is expecting to receive 200,000 nasal swab kits and 500,000 BTNX tests with nasal swabs by the end of December.

In mid-January, the province is expecting to have an inventory of up to 11 million tests. As a result, rapid testing availability will be expanded to provide publicly funded tests at additional locations. 500,000 tests for students and staff to be deployed to K-12 schools across the province. Another 500,000 tests for rapid testing of symptomatic students, faculty and staff, students will be sent to post-secondary institutions. 3,000,000 tests are going to supply long term care, health care workers, rural, remote and Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations, and case/contact management.

“We’re going to continue to monitor, evaluate and re-evaluate deployment of the test,” added Dr.Bonnie Henry.

The age-based booster vaccination rollout will continue at an accelerated rate, and is expected to end in April, a month earlier than anticipated. Northern Health is currently securing partners to deliver mobile clinics throughout the north. Across the province, pharmacy capacity to provide boosters will increase throughout January.

“We’re continuing with the mass clinic at house of Ancestors (and the N. Interior Health Unit this week and next), with strong capacity for vaccine appointments… and it’s important to keep in mind the significant capacity in community pharmacies which is already in place and growing over the coming weeks,” stated Eryn Collins, Northern Health spokesperson.

So far, 727,761 third doses have been administered in BC and the rollout plan is operating at 35% more capacity than previously announced.

by Dione Wearmouth

Numerous businesses ordered to close as new restrictions are implemented

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