BC Is Lifting Some COVID-19 Restrictions Tomorrow & Here's Everything You Need To Know

B.C. is easing its COVID-19 restrictions as the province shifts to a "sustainable, long-term" focus during the pandemic.

Starting on Wednesday, February 16 at 11:59 p.m., the province is making five major changes to its current rules — but its mask-wearing rules and vaccine passport remain in place.

The major changes are:

• Indoor personal gathering limits can return to normal.
• Indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, like weddings, can return to full capacity, provided people wear masks and have proof of vaccination using the BC Vaccine Card for anything indoors.
• Indoor seated events, such as movie theatres, can operate at full capacity (masks and proof of vaccination are still required).
• Fitness centres, adult sports competitions, dance events and swimming pools can operate at full capacity, and there are no restrictions to sports tournaments. People participating must still continue to wear masks and show the BC Vaccine Card.
• Restaurants, bars and nightclubs can return to full capacity with no table limits. Mingling and dancing are also allowed; however, masks and proof of vaccination are still mandatory.

The province said that a number of COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, though.

Restrictions that will be reviewed on March 15, and again on April 12, are proof-of-vaccination requirements, masks in indoor settings, businesses having a COVID-19 safety plan, long-term care visitation restrictions, K-12 and child care restrictions, faith community restrictions, the industrial camp order and restrictions on overnight camps for children.

On Monday, the province reported 2,701 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 new deaths over a three-day period including the previous weekend. Across the province, there are 803 people in hospital with COVID-19, 119 of whom are in intensive care.

In terms of vaccination rates, 84% of eligible British Columbians have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Almost half (45.7%) have received a third dose.

Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and can answer any questions you may have.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.