(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

The rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in B.C. because of the Omicron variant has triggered new restrictions in B.C. which kick in tomorrow, Dec. 22, at midnight and run until at least 11:59 p.m. Jan. 18.

These were announced at a technical briefing by health authorities today.

That means bars, nightclubs, gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are all closed as of tomorrow night.

There will be no indoor organized gatherings of any size allowed, including weddings, receptions, celebratory events, etc.

Seated events of any size are reduced to 50% of the capacity of the venue and everyone must be vaccinated and masked. A maximum of six people per table will be allowed in restaurants, pubs and cafes.

No travel restrictions are being imposed.

Omicron is spreading rapidly around the world and B.C. has seen a dramatic increase in cases in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.

There’s been an increase in cases in people aged 18 to 39 and it’s hitting vaccinated people as well as the unvaccinated. Hospitalizations, especially of vaccinated people, have not yet increased.

These restrictions are being made now in the hopes the health care system won't be overwhelmed as has happened in other jurisdictions.

This is in addition to restrictions introduced last Friday. Those are still in place so people, for example, can have up to 10 guests in their homes or one household if that household has more than 10 people.

READ MORE: Omicron is cancelling New Year’s and forcing limits on social activities in B.C.

Rapid tests are also being rolled out.

B.C. received more than three million COVID rapid tests on Dec. 15 and have distributed about 1.3 million to places like long term care homes, prisons, some government administered businesses. They will be used to manage clusters and health officials will use them in areas of elevated risk.

More test kits are expected by the end of the year and B.C. hopes to get 11 million more tests kits from the federal government by the end of January but there are no projections for how many test kits will be available after that.

Test kits will be made available to manage community transmission, for school and university students and staff in order to have in-class classes in January.

The capacity to administer booster doses of the COVID vaccine is being increased so everyone will be able to get their booster by the end of April, one month earlier than originally planned. Those over 50 should be able to get their third shots before the end of January.

Interior Health is looking to set up vaccine clinics in larger venues. The change should mean that people can make an appointment between one and three weeks after being notified that they’re eligible for the booster.

People won't be eligible for their booster shots until six months after getting their second doses.

As of Jan. 4, non-urgent scheduled surgeries will be postponed in order to reduce pressure on hospitals. They will be rebooked based on hospital capacity. All urgent scheduled surgeries and emergency surgeries will be performed.

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