BC has confirmed the province is moving ahead with Stage 3 of their reopening plan starting on Thursday, July 1st.
With the province moving to the next phase of reopening, starting on July 1, wearing a mask in an indoor public space will be recommended, but not mandatory, for those who are not fully vaccinated.
People who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear masks after 14 days of getting their second dose – while the mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act will be lifted, it still recommended but the province also said no proof of vaccination will be needed.
“Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask and that’s OK – we all need to go at our own pace,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Here is a breakdown of the details of wearing a mask starting July 1st:
- Mask wearing is recommended in indoor public spaces for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated
- Fully vaccinated means 14-days after receiving your second dose
- The Face Coverings Order under the Emergency Program Act will be lifted and no proof of vaccination will be needed
On Thursday, the provincial state of emergency, which went into effect at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be dropped.
As of this publication, more than 78 per cent of people aged 18 and older have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and over 30 per cent have received two doses.
