Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
August 24, 2021 - 10:21 AM
It will again be mandatory as of tomorrow to wear masks in all public indoor spaces in B.C., spaces like malls, stores, restaurants and bars.
Provincial health office Dr. Bonnie Henry made that announcement at a press conference today, Aug. 24, that was called to announce plans for the reopening of schools and post-secondary institutions this fall.
“In the broader community, we are seeing increased transmission, particularly in the unvaccinated people and because of the new more transmissible Delta variant,” Dr. Henry said.
Her comments followed on the heels of Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside announcing all students in Grade 4 to 12 will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces, including classrooms.
As of this week, 72 per cent of 12- to 17-year-olds have their first vaccines and 57 per cent are fully vaccinated, she said, adding there have also been major ventilation improvements in schools throughout the province.
READ MORE: COVID-19 vaccination card coming to attend events, restaurants in B.C.
Post-secondary students will have to be fully masked in public indoor spaces.
Students living in student housing or joining in clubs will be required to be vaccinated in order to do so.
Dr. Henry said that transmission of COVID-19 tends to be in communal living spaces, much more so than in classrooms.
There is also a requirement for health sciences students to be immunized, Dr. Henry said.
Details of which student housing facilities will require vaccinations are still being worked out.
Dr. Henry said this is a temporary measure and will be moderated as the B.C. vaccination passport comes into full effect by Oct. 24.
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