Some of B.C.'s current COVID-19 restrictions are about to expire. What's next?

Some of the restrictions put in place in British Columbia as cases of the Omicron variant were confirmed in the province are set to expire on Tuesday, but health officials have hinted that some COVID-19 orders will be extended.

Some of the restrictions put in place in British Columbia as cases of the Omicron variant were confirmed in the province are set to expire on Tuesday, but health officials have hinted that some COVID-19 orders will be extended.

Nothing has been confirmed ahead of the Jan. 18 deadline, but last week, the provincial health officer said the Omicron wave is expected to last several more weeks.

In a modelling update Friday, Dr. Bonnie Henry said she thinks the peak is behind us, but based on what's happened elsewhere, it's likely that many more will get sick. 

Still, she said officials are looking at which activities paused in December are able to resume, now that all businesses are required to have safety plans in place.

So far, it's unclear what will change on Tuesday, but last week it seemed likely that restrictions prohibiting certain indoor activities would be extended.

Henry said the rules barring personal indoor gatherings of more than the hosts plus 10 guests, as well as indoor events like wedding and funeral receptions, were "likely to remain unchanged for now."

As for what will be called off, Henry has been tight lipped.