Phase 3 Against COVID-19. BC’s Canada Restart: A plan to bring us back together

BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan focused on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal.

Understand the plan

BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan to bring B.C. back together. Getting vaccinated is the most important tool supporting our restart.

How we move through the steps

To move through the steps, we’re looking for:

Declining COVID-19 case counts
Increasing vaccination rate in people 18+

Declining COVID-19 hospitalizations, including critical care
Declining COVID-19 mortality rate

Steps 1 and 2: Complete

On May 25, we gradually began to restart our important social connections, businesses and activities.

The criteria for Step 1 was at least 60% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with stable case counts and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Step 1 went from May 25 to June 14.

The criteria for Step 2 was at least 65% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with declining case counts and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Step 2 went from June 15 to June 30.

We are in Step 3

The criteria for Step 3 is at least 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalizations. In Step 3, all sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.

Mask guidance

Masks are recommended in indoor public places for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act was lifted July 1.

You’re fully vaccinated 14 days after dose 2
Masks are optional for children aged 2 to 12
Children under 2 should not wear masks
Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers
Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they’re fully vaccinated and that’s okay

PHO guidance

Increased social contact
If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately

Step 4: Earliest start date September 7

The criteria for moving to Step 4 is more than 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and low COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The earliest date we move to Step 4 is September 7.