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Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Moving ahead with our Restart Plan

Jul 7, 2021 | 10:07 AM

LAST WEEK, B.C. moved into Step 3 of our Restart Plan. By working together and getting vaccinated, we’ve bent our curve dramatically and reduced transmission and cases of COVID-19. This is further proof that our vaccination rollout is working.

Step 3 means life is getting much closer to normal. Restrictions on personal gatherings have been lifted so parties and visits with friends and families, and sleepovers for kids, can return.

At gyms and fitness centres, classes can return to normal capacity, indoors and outdoors. Parents can once again watch their kids’ sports practices and games, and sports fans can return to cheering on their favourite team, as spectator capacity has increased.

Masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public spaces but continue to be recommended for everyone 12 and older who is not yet fully vaccinated. Individual businesses may still choose to require masks in their spaces, and some people may still want to wear masks in many settings. Just as we have since the start of the pandemic, we need to practice compassion and respect for everyone’s individual comfort level. We are still all in this together.

Step 3 also means we are welcoming visitors from across Canada back to B.C. This is undoubtedly welcome news for our tourism and hospitality workers and businesses. Workers and communities that rely on the tourism industry have sacrificed a lot so we could all stay safe. Now is the time to say thanks by booking that trip to your favourite B.C. destination, or exploring a brand new one. Remember to respect the wishes of local communities and follow local travel advisories and guidance.

This four-step plan was designed based on data and guidance from the public health team led by the BC Centre for Disease Control and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. At each step of the way, public health experts are carefully monitoring our case counts, vaccination rates, and other data that ensures we’re moving at the right pace.

With almost 80 per cent of adults now with at least one dose, B.C. has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. It may feel strange after more than a year of staying apart, but we can now safely do many of the things we did before the pandemic.

It’s important to remember that these new activities are options for people, and everyone has to move at their own pace. As you get back to your favourite activities and travel, remember to continue following the golden rules: wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and if you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested. Together, we’re getting closer to putting the pandemic behind us.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.