B.C.'s new public health restrictions come into effect Monday
CBC
New COVID-19 public health restrictions come into effect Monday in British Columbia amid a spike in cases driven by the Omicron variant.
Restrictions were announced on Friday afternoon by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and will remain in place until Jan. 31.
They include the cancellation of organized New Year's Eve events and sports tournaments, as well as limits on indoor gatherings.
Indoor gatherings will be limited to household members plus 10 guests, or one additional household — as long as everyone over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated.
"We need to take these measures until we understand the full impact Omicron will have in the B.C. context," Henry said on Friday.
"It is imperative people follow the new orders in how they celebrate this season."
Henry also announced that the province will be stepping up scanning of vaccine QR codes to make sure proof of vaccination is confirmed in all settings.
She also urged retailers to have COVID-19 safety plans in place for Boxing Day and holiday shopping events.
WATCH | Henry asks British Columbians to cut back holiday parties:
Starting Monday, venues holding more than 1,000 people will be limited to 50 per cent capacity. Those venues already required patrons to show proof of vaccination using B.C.'s vaccine card.
Over the weekend, numerous events were cancelled or postponed due to the spike in cases.
This includes two Vancouver Canucks games against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday and the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday.
Ticket holders for the two games have been told to hold onto their tickets as the events are pushed back indefinitely.
Broadway Across Canada's staging of Anastasia, originally scheduled from Jan. 18 to 23, has also been rescheduled due to the new restrictions.
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