Mask rule back in public indoor spaces in B.C., including K-12 schools

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People in B.C. are again being told to wear masks in public indoor spaces, such as grocery stores, after the number of new COVID-19 cases in B.C. continues to creep higher.

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The reintroduction of the order is provincewide and goes into effect on Wednesday, the provincial health officer announced on Tuesday. The new temporary health officer order will apply to people age 12 and older in most indoor public spaces, including malls, retail stores, and grocery stores, regardless of vaccination status.

“This measure is needed to ensure these indoor settings are safe as they can be for all of us as we head to the fall,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.

As the weather gets colder, people start congregating in indoor public spaces, she said. “Right now we know that this virus is transmitting in some of those indoor public spaces,” said Henry. “So this is an additional measure.”

On Tuesday, B.C. reported another 641 cases of COVID-19, with Interior Health continuing to have the largest number of new cases with 273. Fraser Health had 149 new cases, while Vancouver Coastal Health has 125.

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B.C. had lifted the mask requirement for indoor spaces on July 1 — when COVID-19 numbers were low — when Step 3 of the province’s reopening plan kicked in, although businesses and stores could still choose to require them.

While some people were quick to shed the coverings, many still chose to wear them indoors, especially in busy or crowded areas.

Under the new order, masks are required in city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres, and public transportation including buses, taxis, and ride-for-hire vehicles. Patrons at restaurants, bars and pubs also must don the face covering unless they’re seated.

The order also covers gyms, sports and fitness centres when people are not engaged in physical activity, as well as office buildings were services to the public are provided.

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Henry said the order will be reassessed as the B.C. Vaccine Card is fully implemented, in October. The card will be needed to get into certain social and recreational settings, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining at restaurants, gyms, casinos, and indoor organized events such as conferences and wedding.

That proof-of-vaccination scheme was announced Monday by Premier John Horgan and health officials. It will take effect starting Sept. 13, when one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be required for people age 12 and older to enter these venues. By Oct. 24, only those who have been fully vaccinated at least seven days earlier will be allowed entry to these sites.

So far, the B.C. Health Ministry said Tuesday, 83.3 per cent of people 12 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, while 75.1 per cent have received two doses.

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The ministry also said that for the week ending Sunday, 70.2 per cent of new COVID cases were among people who have not received any vaccine, 13.2 per cent were in partly vaccinated people, and 16.6 per cent were among people fully vaccinated. More than three-quarters, 77.7 per cent, of hospitalizations for COVID-19 were people who have not received any vaccine.

Also on Tuesday, health officials announced mask requirements for K-12 staff across B.C., as well as for high school and some elementary school students, to start off the new school year in September.

“The mask requirement that was in place last spring will continue in place to start this upcoming school year,” said Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside.

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That means Grade 4 to 12 students as well as K-12 staff will have to wear non-medical masks in all indoor areas, including classrooms and school buses. Students from kindergarten to Grade 3 are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks.

As of last week, 57 per cent of youth aged 12 to 17 in B.C. have been fully vaccinated, with 72 per cent having received one dose.

The proof-of-vaccination requirement will apply to post-secondary students, said Advanced Minister Anne Kang.

It will apply, for example, to students who want to live in student housing or participate in some common activities of student life, such as going to a pub, attending concerts, or extracurricular events.

“The goal is to get more people vaccinated because we know our safety on campus increases when people are vaccinated,” said Kang.

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On Monday, the University of B.C. said it will require proof of vaccination for students staying in campus residences in the fall semester, as well as for school activities such as varsity and intramural sports and student clubs.

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