CLR Connector COVID-19 Checklist: Key Milestones

As our Province implemented the important BC Vaccine Card, we have put together a “COVID-19 CHECKLIST” summarizing the key milestones which we hope will provide a quick and useful reference for our members.

The BC Vaccine Card is now in effect throughout British Columbia.  As of Sept. 13, 2021, new COVID-19 vaccine requirements were put in place so businesses can stay open and people can feel more at ease.

The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by Oct. 24.

To ensure a gradual and safe transition to a more normal life, the Province introduced the BC Restart Plan, four stages of which are essentially based on vaccination rates, COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations.

Step 1 (May 25 – Jun 14) required at least 60% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with stable case counts and COVID-19 hospitalizations.  It allowed small outdoor personal gatherings (up to 10 people) and indoor personal gatherings (up to 5 people or 1 other household).  Recreational travel within one’s travel region became possible, while non-essential travel between travel regions continued to be restricted. A gradual return to workplaces began.

Step 2 (Jun 15 – Jun 30) saw a further ease of restrictions with outdoor personal gatherings (up to 50 people) along with recreational travel within the province.  There was a continued increase of people returning to the workplace.

Step 3 (Jul 1 – present) required at least 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalizations.  In Step 3, all sectors are transitioning to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC. We have returned to normal Canada-wide recreational travel, indoor gatherings of up to 50 people or 50% capacity whichever is greater and outdoor gatherings of up to 5,000 people or 50% capacity whichever is greater.

Step 4’s earliest start date was set for September 7, with the criteria of more than 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and low COVID-19 hospitalizations.  We have not transitioned to Step 4 yet, due to currently high case counts and hospitalizations.  Step 4 will allow for normal socializing to fully resume, masks in public indoor settings becoming a personal choice and workplaces fully reopening.