Vernon Matters file photo

By Liam Verster

Order Update

Interior Health’s COVID-19 capacity limits to be lifted as other provincial orders enhanced

Nov 30, 2021 | 2:45 PM

With the decrease of COVID-19 transmissions and hospitalization numbers levelling off in Interior Health, the additional COVID-19 measures for the region are being lifted.

During Tuesday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Bonnie Henry said, effective midnight, the additional measures will be repealed.

“So that means you can have 100 per cent capacity when the [proof of vaccination] card is being used,” said Henry.

Previously, Interior Health’s indoor organized events were only allowed 50 people, or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity – whichever was greater – while outdoor events continue to have capacity restrictions of 5,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is greater. Mask requirements for public indoor settings remain in effect.

The capacity increase will apply to fully-vaccinated settings like sporting events, concerts, movie theatres, weddings and conferences.

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While the Interior’s additional measures are being repealed, other orders that effect the entire province are being bolstered.

In response to the first confirmed Omicron case in B.C., as well as the rising cases in Canada and around the world, Henry has amended the mask order to require participants at worship services, including choirs, must wear a face covering during services.

“These masks can be removed for eating or drinking to allow for ceremonial activities, and readers celebrants can remove them if distancing is in place during the celebration of the ceremony,” said Henry.

She added that the event and gathering orders have also been amended, and that worship services now must run at 50 per cent of seated occupancy.

Full capacity at services will be permitted only if all participants are vaccinated against COVID-19.