New recorded COVID-19 infections continue to decline in Burnaby amid tighter testing requirements and the lifting of restrictions.
According to the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence, Burnaby recorded 162 cases from Feb. 6 to 12, 2022.
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, 2022, 203 cases were detected.
B.C. is phasing in an easing of pandemic restrictions that will end capacity limits for gatherings as long as masks, proof of vaccination and safety plans are used.
Other restrictions will be reviewed in March prior to spring break for schools, and in April prior to Easter celebrations. The B.C. Vaccine Card remains in effect until June 30 and a mask mandate for indoor public spaces will stay until further notice.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the number of people in hospital with COVID has peaked and community immunity is high, but the pandemic continues globally, and the virus will likely continue to develop new strains that are able to evade the immune system and spread even faster.
Under the phased reopening, beginning Thursday, indoor personal gatherings, including vacation rentals, can return to normal, and indoor and outdoor organized gatherings — such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and celebrations of life — as well as indoor seated events, including theatres and sports events, can return to full capacity.
Fitness centres, adult sports, dance, swimming and tournaments can also return to full capacity.
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs will be able to operate at full capacity — the province is dropping the requirement of only six people per table — and mingling and dancing will once again be allowed.
Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, said he was so relieved to hear the reopening plans, he cried when he was briefed. “Government, industry and B.C. citizens walked together over the last two years under Dr. Henry’s incredible guidance to get to this point,” said Tostenson.
“This is such a well-deserved and amazing day for B.C.”
- with files from Cindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist
