BC Is Officially In Phase 3 Now & You Can Plan Non-Essential Travel For Summer

Just in time for summer. Premier John Horgan announced on Wednesday, June 24, that Phase 3 in B.C. would finally be kicking off. This means non-essential travel will once again be permissible within the province. 

In the address to the public, Horgan said that “we are now able to move slowly into Phase 3 of our four-phase plan.” He explained that this means more businesses will be able to open safely under the guidance of WorkSafe BC.

Although many places closed voluntarily and were not ordered closed by the provincial health officer, now they're starting to reopen under new guidelines.

Phase 3 includes things like hotels, resorts, parks, the film industry, and "some entertainment venues like movie theatres," he said.

He then outlined that this new phase will allow us to travel “safely and respectfully within the province.”

The premier explained that we need to be careful when visiting communities that we haven't visited in a while and that you'll have to use your "travel manners" and using the same precautions you've been using at home.

While you may be getting fired up to return to normal, Horgan was sure to remind the public that this isn't a return to normal and that we need to keep up safety practices. 

He reminded everyone to keep those hands clean, keep a distance, wear a mask if you can't keep a distance, and stay home if you're sick. 

Furthermore, Horgan emphasized the importance of planning. "Make sure the community you're visiting is ready to receive you."

He said that there are still communities in the province that are concerned about visitors and that it's you're responsibility to do your research prior to hitting the road.

While you may be able to stay in a hotel and travel around B.C. again, it won't be the same and Horgan wants us to remain diligent about the safety of ourselves, others, and the communities we might visit.