New COVID-19 Restrictions for Northern Health
Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
This afternoon, government announced new regional COVID-19 restrictions for Northern Health.
The announcement was made by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix. Data from the BC Centre for Disease Control shows northern BC with four times the rate of new COVID-19 cases compared to other regions and hospitalizations more than double the provincial average.
These new restrictions are being implemented in an attempt to manage rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The order applies to the entire Northern Health region. It takes effect midnight tonight.
The communities of Kitimat, Terrace, Haida Gwaii, Stikine, Nisg̱a’a, Telegraph, Snow Country, and Prince Rupert are exempt from the new orders due to high levels of immunization.
Restrictions will be in effect until at least November 19, 2021.
The following conditions are now in place for those communities:
Personal gatherings indoor and outdoors will be restricted to fully vaccinated people only
Personal indoor gatherings are limited to 5 people and outdoor personal gatherings are limited to 25 people
All indoor and outdoor organized gatherings require a COVID-19 safety plan, everyone must wear masks, and everyone must be fully vaccinated
Organized indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people and organized outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people
Worship services are limited to virtual services
Liquor and food primaries that offer full meal service can remain open and offer indoor dining, but must continue to check for BC Vaccine Cards. Alcohol service must end at 10:00 pm.
Bars, pubs, and nightclubs that do not offer full meal servicemust close
The provincial government will also be stepping up coordinated enforcement of checking for proof of vaccination at businesses where this is required
Previously announced regional restrictions in Northern Health (effective September 7) will also remain in place. Businesses must also comply with provincial public health orders:
A copy of the new public order for Northern Health is not yet available. We will circulate it when posted.
We know this news is deeply disappointing and frustrating for businesses like yours. Please know we are actively engaged with government to ensure affected businesses receive the support you need to weather this ongoing outbreak.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.