Indoor Mask Mandate Extended | BC Gov News
On October 29th, the Provincial Health officer extended the mask mandate that requires masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout British Columbia.
The previous order, which was set to expire on October 31st, has been extended to continue to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people five and older, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:
Malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores, liquor and drug stores
Airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
Restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
On public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
Areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
Inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students
Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places:
To identify the individual wearing the mask
To consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose
While participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility
While receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed
People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
Operators of indoor public spaces, schools, and post-secondary institutions and organizers of inside events must post signage at the entrance to all indoor areas covered by this order notifying that face coverings are required to be worn in accordance with this order.
Nothing in this order prevents an operator, school or post-secondary institution or organizer of an inside event from having additional requirements in relation to face coverings.