New health order means mandatory masks for all restaurant patrons

British Columbia has announced a new health order calling for the mandatory use of masks in retail and indoor public spaces.

In a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Bonnie Henry outlined exactly what that means for patrons heading into restaurants.

“If you are in a restaurant, you need to wear a mask when you are not at your table. That includes coming into the restaurant, leaving the restaurant, going to the washroom,” said Dr. Henry.

The mandate applies to both employees and customers in all public and retail spaces, except when eating or drinking in restaurants.

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Dr. Henry also noted that active inspections will be increased in all businesses, but specifically, bars and pubs.

“As you know there are some challenges with the way the liquor licenses are run. Those are settings where we have concerns that safety plans may not be followed and people may be mixing in a way that can be risky,” said Dr. Henry.

“We will be paying particular attention to inspecting COVID safety plans to make sure they are being adhered to in these settings, and if we have challenges, if we find they are not being adhered to, these businesses will be closed down.”