The Provincial Health Officer has extended all current COVID-19 restrictions, except for gyms and fitness facilities – which can open on January 20, 2022, with strict COVID-19 Safety Plans in place.

The COVID-19 Safety Plan order remains in place for B.C. businesses. Members and clients should review and renew their COVID-19 Safety Plan to keep employees safe through the Omicron surge.

Employers must remind employees who are sick to stay home.

A COVID-19 Safety Plan should include a daily worker health check. COVID-19 transmission – particularly Omicron – remains highly active in our communities. Some groups are at greater risk for severe illness and hospitalization, including:

• Younger people not vaccinated
• People over the age of 70 – regardless of vaccination status
• People with underlying immune compromising conditions

Additionally, one in ten people who get sick with the virus have symptoms lasting ten weeks or longer.

COVID-19 resources and information:

• PHO Order – Workplace Safety – January 20, 2022
• Webinar replay | Omicron Q&A for Business
• COVID-19 Safety Plan Checklist