Health orders updated for restaurants

Jun 11, 2020 | 4:24 PM

B.C.’s provincial health officer is updating restrictions placed on restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new public health order from Dr. Bonnie Henry removes the 50 per cent capacity for restaurants and allows operators to determine their capacity based on the ability to physically distance staff and patrons by two metres.

“Every restaurant, pub or bar has to identify a number for their capacity that includes the patios, and this was one of the complicating things. As you’re expanding your patio, how do you know what number to use?” Henry said.

The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association said the change will support the patio extensions allowed to operators.

Those restaurants who are expanding their patios will now be able to come closer to their licensed capacity numbers with the use of a larger patio while still abiding by social distancing requirements,” the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association stated in information provided to the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

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The order, which updated one issued May 22, 2020, officially permits the use of plexiglass partitions to create separation provided they are washable, rigid and impermeable. They can be floor, table or counter mounted or hung from the ceiling.

The association says buffets/self service are now allowed to open with certain regulations such as providing hand washing facilities or alcohol-based sanitizers within easy reach of the station, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high touch surfaces.

The association said some limits have been re-confirmed such as for events with no more than 50 people.

Added measures included people leaving events cannot be replaced with new people, and the table limit is six people maximum at a table or booth.

Dr. Henry said health officials and WorkSafeBC will be working with restaurants to make sure the new measures are implemented.

You can review the full order issued by the Provincial Health Officer by clicking here.

by Pete McIntyre

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