BC Government is answering FAQs about the new regional COVID-19 restrictions

This past Saturday, BC’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new COVID-19 restrictions for the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions.

And while Henry did speak about what the new orders entail, where and how they apply, the BC Government has now also released its answers to what it said are frequently asked questions about the topic.

See also: 

• BC health officials provide clarity to regional COVID gathering restrictions
• These are the cities where the new regional COVID-19 restrictions apply
• New COVID-19 orders and restrictions announced in Vancouver Coastal, Fraser Health Regions

Here’s what you need to know about the new orders.

The questions and answers below were provided directly from the BC Government’s new general guidelines document found here. 

Does this rule apply to people who live alone?

People who live alone cannot host gatherings but can continue to see one or two members of their social bubble at each other’s homes. Your bubble is defined as your household. If you live alone the one or two people in your bubble must be consistent throughout the pandemic.

Is a pandemic bubble the same as a safe six?

Your pandemic bubble is your household. You cannot see people outside of your pandemic bubble at this time, which may include some of your safe six. You should only belong to only one pandemic bubble, which may be your family, the people you live with, a partner or relative you do not live with or a close friend. These are the people you spend the most time with and are physically close to. They should have the same core bubble as you. You should not be seeing people outside of that one pandemic bubble for the next two weeks.

If I live alone I can still see six people, but if I live with my family I can only see them?

No, those who live alone should only be seeing one or two people in their pandemic bubble, which may be a family member they don’t live with or a close friend.

Is a worship service considered a social gathering?

No, churches and other religious centres have put important safety measures in place to protect people, including physical distancing. As long as those safety plans are in place, people can continue to worship in those centres. Places of worship still need to abide by the 50 person limit that is in place for events and gatherings, they must also have COVID safety plans in place.

I am supposed to look after my grandchildren this week, can I?

Yes. The Provincial Health Officer’s order applies to social gatherings so if you are part of a social group, now is the time to take a break from that activity or do it virtually. Right now it is very important that everyone in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions reduce their social interactions so that essential visits, such as taking care of a grandchild can continue.

Will enforcement actually happen?

It is expected that the vast majority of people will voluntarily comply with the order, however, enforcement may happen if there is concern about COVID-19 transmission. Police and bylaw officers can enforce the orders with fines, charges and operation shutdowns for businesses, organizations or citizens who break the rules.

Are people still able to socialize outside with their safe six?

No. For now, there are to be no social gatherings of any size at your home, inside or outside. People who live alone must not host gatherings but can continue to see one or two members of their pandemic bubble at each other’s homes.

Can I still have a wedding ceremony or funeral service? 

Yes, wedding ceremonies and funeral services may proceed with a limited number of people and a COVID-19 safety plan in place – but there are to be no receptions inside or outside your home, or at any public or community-based venue.

Why isn’t Dr. Henry mandating masks in the Lower Mainland?

Dr. Henry expects everyone, who can, to use masks – the same way she expects everyone to maintain a safe distance from others, clean their hands, and cough into their sleeves.

Can school-age children/teenagers have playdates or gatherings if they’re in the same school or childcare cohort?

No. However, kids can still play together at school as part of their school and childcare cohorts where safety measures are in place to protect children and staff.

Can I still go to a movie theatre? 

Yes. Movie theatres are not considered social gatherings because they are controlled settings. There is no mixing with others in attendance, theatres have the chairs and common areas marked to ensure physical distance.

What communities does this actually impact? 

The order applies to the following communities: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Belcarra, Boston Bar, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Howe Sound, City of Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pemberton, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Powell River, Richmond, Sunshine Coast Regional District, Surrey, Squamish, Township of Langley, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock. •

Why are certain communities exempt from the order?

They are geographically quite different, in terms of where people travel to and from and their interactions with health care services. They are more closely aligned to some of the lower-risk areas in the province right now.

What is essential travel?

There is no order restricting travel — however, British Columbians should only travel in and out of these regions if absolutely necessary. Essential travel includes regular travel for work within the region or travel for things like medical appointments, etc. Travel for social or recreational reasons is what should be curtailed.

Can you still travel inside the regions and between Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions?

Again, there is no order restricting travel, but British Columbians should postpone recreational and social travel in and out of these regions for the next two weeks.

I have an appointment at BC Children’s Hospital next week. I live out of town and cannot do the trip in a day. Am I allowed to stay at my parents’ house in Langley, for example?

Yes. You are asked to be diligent about limiting your other social interactions in order to keep your parents and your home community safe.

Can I still practice physical distancing to visit with friends?

There are to be no social gatherings with anyone outside of your household. You can go for a walk with friends, but keep it small. If you live alone it can be with one or two members of your pandemic bubble

Should we stop cleaning services, house repairs, in-home tutoring, working with the disabled, music lessons and other services that come to your home?

The order restricts social gatherings. This is nothing like a social gathering.

Can you report people who break the rules? Is there a penalty or fine if someone has a social gathering?

Inspections and surveillance from Public Health Inspectors, Bylaw Officers and the Police are being conducted in these regions. These officials can enforce the orders with fines, charges and operations shutdowns for businesses, organizations or citizens who break the rules. The current fines are $200 for an individual and $2,000 for an event organizer.

Can parents still carpool kids to and from school?

Yes. The order restricts social gatherings. This is nothing like a social gathering.

Are children allowed or not allowed to play outdoor games?

Nothing in the order affects outdoor sports – except the requirement to stay in your region.