Ready to explore B.C. this summer?
Provincial officials announced the beginning of Step 2 in B.C.'s Restart Plan Monday (June 14), which will allow British Columbians to enjoy travel across the province for the first time in several months.
"Thanks to our collective efforts and commitment to get vaccinated, we are ready to take another step forward in our careful restart," said Premier John Horgan. "This next step means seeing more of the people we love, visiting more of our favourite places and safely celebrating the major milestones we've missed. Better days are in sight, but we must continue to do our part, get vaccinated, keep our layers of protection strong and work together to put this pandemic behind us."
Recreational travel is now permitted across the province and the order restricting travel has been lifted. However, Horgan noted that "we are advising against travel outside of the province."
In Step 2 of B.C.'s Restart Plan, the following restrictions have been lifted and you may enjoy the following:
- Provincial travel restrictions lifted
- Recreational travel within B.C. allowed
- BC Transit and BC Ferries offers increased service as needed
Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, said, "Our step-by-step reopening plan is giving British Columbians what they have been waiting for. The best way we can show our love for B.C. is to get out and eat, stay, shop and play. Whether it's watching your kids play sports outside, going to the theatre or travelling to new and exciting destinations across the province, we can finally get out and support people, jobs and our economy."
B.C. prepares to safely move to Step 2 of its restart plan
Public health safety protocols, such as mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing, will remain in place during Step 2.
British Columbians travelling within B.C. are asked to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns, as well as Indigenous communities - including respecting local travel advisories. Travel manners and guidelines to follow during summer trips and vacations include:
* getting vaccinated;
* pre-trip planning and research before arriving at destination;
* respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities and Indigenous communities;
* following masks guideline;
* respecting personal space and practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing; and
* no travelling for anyone who is sick. If symptoms develop while travelling, self-isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing.
The transition into Step 2 of the four-step restart plan aligns with key metrics for moving forward. More than 75 per cent of adults are vaccinated with their first dose, exceeding the target Step 2 minimum threshold of 65 per cent. The other metrics for moving through the stages - COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations - continue to steadily decline.
