EMO News Release - May 26
On May 25, the province laid out a four-step reopening plan that could see us slowly return to normal as the number of vaccinations rise and the number of cases drop. While these are approximate dates, the plan will be guided by data, not dates, and will not proceed to the next step until it is safe to do so based on guidance from public health and the latest available data. Please refer to the government's restart program for details as well as information about steps 3 and 4. Thank you for continuing to do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If we stay the course, we can resume much needed visits with friends and family and support a strong economic recovery for our province.
For Step 1 and Step 2, restaurants, bars, and pubs, as well as indoor fitness facilities, return to the safety protocols that were in place prior to the circuit breaker restrictions. For other sectors, existing safety protocols remain in place for Step 1 and Step 2, including existing safety protocols at schools and daycares.
Step 1 - May 25
For now, outdoor social gatherings will continue to be limited to ten. Indoor social gatherings with up to five visitors or one other household are now allowed. In terms of organized gatherings, indoor up to ten people seated or 50 people seated outdoors (with a COVID safety plan in place) will be allowed. Current non-essential travel restrictions between the three health regions continue. Sports teams can play games outside and restaurant dining can now occur indoors in groups of six.
Here is a breakdown of Step 1
- Maximum of five visitors or one other household allowed for indoor personal gatherings i.e. up to five people from different households can visit or one other household can visit another household
- Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings.
- Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized gatherings with safety protocols; examples include wedding ceremonies and funerals.
- Recreational travel only within travel region (travel restrictions between regions extended); hotels and other accommodation providers are encouraged to welcome guests from inside their region.
- Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
- Resume outdoor sports (games) with no spectators, and low-intensity fitness with safety protocols.
- Start gradual return to workplace.
- Return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings (reduced capacity) based on consultation with public health.
- PHO Guidance: Physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings.
Step 2 - Mid-June (June 15 earliest date)
Tentatively scheduled for June 15, once 65% of BC is vaccinated and if hospitalizations drop, outdoor social gatherings of up to 50 people and playdates will be allowed. Indoor gatherings remain at five visitors or one other household. For organized gatherings, indoor up to 50 people seated will be allowed indoors (with a COVID safety plan). If case numbers continue to drop while vaccination rates go up, health officials indicated travel restrictions will be lifted.
Here is a breakdown of Step 2
- Maximum 50 people for outdoor social gatherings
- Maximum 50 people for seated indoor organized gatherings (banquet halls, movie theatres, live theatre) with safety protocols
- No BC travel restrictions; check local travel advisories; hotels and other accommodation providers may accept guests from throughout the province Indoor sports (games) and high-intensity fitness with safety protocols
- Spectators for outdoor sports (50 maximum)
- PHO Guidance: physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings. Business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place.
Step 3 - early July (July 1 earliest date)
The third step in the reopening plan will see a "return to usual for indoor or outdoor personal gatherings" and allow for sleepovers, if 70 per cent of the province is vaccinated, and if hospitalizations continue to drop. The forecast for organized gatherings is less clear; government documents state that fairs and festivals will be allowed with a COVID safety plan in place and "increased capacity" will be in place for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with a COVID safety plan.
Here is a breakdown of Step 3
- Provincial state of emergency and public health emergency lifted
- Returning to usual for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
- Increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with safety plans
- Nightclubs and casinos reopened with capacity limits and safety plans
- New public health and workplace guidance around personal protective equipment, physical distancing and business protocols
- PHO Guidance: masks are recommended in public outdoor settings; engage in careful social contact
Step 4 - early September (September 7 earliest date)
If vaccination rates hit 70 per cent of eligible individuals, social gatherings will return to normal and large organized events can resume, if more than 70 per cent of the province is vaccinated, and if hospitalizations continue to drop.
Here is a breakdown of Step 4
- Returning to normal social contact
- Increased capacity at larger organized gatherings
- No limits on indoor and outdoor spectators at sports
- Businesses operating with new safety plans
- PHO Guidance: masks in a public indoor setting a personal choice; normal social contact COVID-19 Vaccination Program Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment
COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment
Wellness Together Canada Portal
More than a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause stress and uncertainty to individuals and families. If you or a loved one is going through a difficult time or if you are looking for resources to improve or nurture your wellbeing, please visit the Wellness Together Canada portal. Supports offered by the portal are free, confidential and available 24/7.
General Info
We will keep you informed of any changes to how the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville operate as this pandemic evolves. City staff and elected officials are practicing physical distance and sanitizing protocols and many services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information is available from:
Vaccine registration - 1 833 838-2323; https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19
Medical COVID-19 information - 811
From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall remains open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm (except statutory holidays). Town staff are available via email or phone until 4 pm, Monday to Friday. While we are happy to help in person where needed, we encourage you to conduct business remotely where possible. Masks are mandatory when visiting Town Hall. Contact is by any of the following methods:
- Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
- Phone 250 752-6921
- Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
- Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain
From the City of Parksville
City in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited to payments of tickets/licence fees and the purchase of bus passes, with all other City business by appointment and no walk-in services. To book an appointment, call 250 248-6144 or refer to website contact info. Finance is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Please note, entry is from Jensen Avenue East. Masks are mandatory when at City Hall.
For information, contact:
Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator
Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com
Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator
City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca
Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications
City of Parksville
dtardiff@parksville.ca
Consultation has concluded
