B.C.'s new COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings met with mixed reactions

New restrictions on in-person religious gatherings in B.C. have been met with mixed reactions from places of worship.

New restrictions on in-person religious gatherings in B.C. have been met with mixed reactions from places of worship.

On Tuesday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced multiple new restrictions including the removal of an indoor mask mandate exemption.

Previously, those attending church services and other religious gatherings were exempt from provincial mask mandates, though they were still encouraged to wear face coverings.

However, with concerns caused by the new Omicron variant, Henry lifted the exemption.

"There'll be some tension,” said Mardi Dolfo-Smith, discipleship pastor at the North Shore Alliance Church.

"We understand why that’s a requirement but it will cause some hardship for some of our people who are adverse to wearing masks.”

On top of the mask mandate, worship services must now be limited to 50 per cent capacity, unless every participant is vaccinated.