Urgent Update: COVID-19 Restrictions Easing This Week!
Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
We are excited to share some great news today!
This afternoon, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that BC is easing most COVID-19 restrictions. As of February 16 at 11:59 pm most Public Health Orders restricting pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will be lifted, allowing liquor-only establishments to reopen at full capacity.
All bars, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs will be able to operate at full capacity, with no table limits, and allowing mingling and dancing.
Restrictions remaining in effect:
· Masks are still required in all indoor public spaces
· BC vaccine cards (to show proof of two doses) are required until June 30, 2022
· COVID-19 safety plans are still required
Today marks a historic moment in our battle against COVID-19. Both Premier Horgan and Dr. Henry noted that removing these restrictions is a direct result of BC’s high vaccination rate, rigorous use of masks, and adherence to public health protocols. It is also due to the hard work, sacrifices, and resilience of BC’s citizens and businesses like yours.
We know many of you were hoping today would mark the end of all COVID-related restrictions. We know many of your customers will remain frustrated by having to wear a mask when not seated and to show a vaccine card before entering. These restrictions will be reviewed in mid-March and again in mid-April while immunization campaigns will continue.
Perhaps most encouraging of all, Dr. Henry noted: “I don’t believe we’ll have to go back to broad societal measures unless something drastic happens.”
As we look forward to the final restrictions easing over the next few months, our industry can—finally—plan for our future and begin the hard work of recovering from the financial losses of this pandemic.
Click here to read the official BC Government announcement.
Mandatory Paid Sick Leave
Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey on mandatory paid sick leave. Hearing directly from our members about how this new entitlement has impacted your business helps us to better advocate on your behalf.
There were several concerns brought up by many of you in the survey that shows there is still confusion around how the entitlement works.
To clarify:
· You are only required to pay out sick leave for scheduled shifts that are missed. If an employee takes one day off due to illness, you are only required to pay them for one day.
· You are allowed to ask for a doctor's note. Employers can ask for 'reasonable sufficient proof of illness,' which could include a verbal account of symptoms, a doctor’s note, pharmacy receipt, hospital bracelet, etc. This will allow you to manage abuse of the entitlement.
We will provide a full summary of the survey results later this week.
Click here to read our Paid Sick Leave FAQ.
Free Member Q&A Webinar in Partnership with New Associate Member Perk Hero
Time: Wednesday, February 23 at 10:00 am
Zoom Link: Here
During this free webinar, ABLE BC's Executive Director Jeff Guignard will discuss:
· The recent easing of restrictions by the PHO
· Paid sick leave questions
· Labour recovery
· What ABLE BC is doing in the immediate future to support your businesses during COVID-19
· Progress update on other policy priorities
· And more!
We will also be hearing from Justin Strange, of Perk Hero, on a new technology solution designed to help your businesses navigate the labour shortage.
Click below to register, or reach out to Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication at ann@ablebc.ca