In an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19 in BC, Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry issued several public health orders restricting social interactions and business operations within the province.

As of April 8, 2022, most restrictions have been lifted. Notably, masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required to access business, events, and services in British Columbia, though individual businesses and event organizers can continue to require patrons to wear masks and show proof of vaccination if they see fit.

The remaining restrictions are as follows:

1. Masks and Proof of Vaccination are Required for Most Travel

Canadians travelling on federally regulated modes of travel must continue to wear masks and show proof of vaccination. This includes domestic and international flights from Canadian airports, VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and cruise ships. This does not include BC Ferries.

For more information, please refer the federal Government’s webpage here. 

2. Masks Must be Worn in Health Care Settings

Masks must still be worn in all health care settings, such as hospitals and vaccine clinics.

3. Businesses Must Follow Communicable Disease Guidance from WorkSafeBC

Businesses no longer need a COVID-19 Safety Plan, but are now required to have a communicable disease plan in place. For more information and other helpful resources, please see the this webpage. For retailer-specific guidance, see WorkSafeBC’s webpage here.

Available Fines and Enforcement Measures

Applicable fines pursuant to the legislation are as follows:

Offence	Penalty
Contravention of the Public Health Act by, among other things, failing to provide information; failing to take or provide preventive measures; failing to comply with an order; failing to take emergency preventive measures; or failing to make a report in an emergency;	A fine not exceeding $25,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.[1] Administrative penalties, such as an order to pay compensation or perform community service.[2]
Contravention of the Public Health Act: failing to prevent or respond to health hazards; failing to train or equip employees; failing to comply with a requirement or duty; failing to comply with the regulations; knowingly providing false or misleading information to a person exercising a power or performing a duty under it; or willfully interfering with, or obstructs a person who is exercising a power or performing a duty under it.	A fine not exceeding $200,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.[3] Administrative penalties, such as an order to pay compensation or perform community service.[4]
Contravention of the Public Health Act by: causing a health hazard failing to provide a designated quarantine facility	A fine not exceeding $3,000,000 and/or up to 36 months’ imprisonment.[5] Administrative penalties, such as an order to pay compensation or perform community service.[6]
Contravention of the Emergency Program Act  or interference with or obstruction of any person in the exercise of any power or performance of any duty under it.	A fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or up to one year of imprisonment.[7]

 

[1] Public Health Act, ss. .99(1), 108(1)(a)

[2] Public Health Act, s. 107.

[3] Public Health Act, ss. 99(2) and (4), and s. 108(1)(b).

[4] Public Health Act, s. 107.

[5] Public Health Act, ss. 99(3), 108(1)(c).

[6] Public Health Act, s. 107.

[7] Public Health Act, s. 27.