On January 7, 2022, Dr. Henry announced a new order requiring all British Columbia businesses to re-implement the protocols defined in their COVID-19 Safety Plans.

Use the COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist to review and strengthen your plan – including links to everything you need to build or expand your safety plan and controls.

Need help? Email or call 1.604.795.9595 to talk to a safety advisor.

Watch the COVID-19 update for January 7, 2022

Booster dose timeline for priority immunization program participants

Last spring’s priority essential worker vaccine clinic participants are automatically prioritized for booster doses as well. Plan now for your employees who participated in the April and May clinics to receive their booster invitations this week.

If employees received their vaccinations early and have not yet registered with the Ministry of Health’s Get Vaccinated system, please encourage them to register now. Everyone needs to be registered to get their invitation for their booster shot.

If an employee has passed the six-month interval after their second dose and has not yet received their booster invitation, they may be able to book an appointment by calling the toll-free call centre at 1-833-838-2323. This is a 24/7 support line with translators available.

Learn more about vaccination for BC food processors and manufacturers.

Rapid antigen workplace point of care testing

The provincial health office has announced that they will continue to expand point-of-care testing support for businesses. Under the current Provincial Health Order, B.C. businesses must have pre-approval from the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and meet PHSA training and reporting requirements to conduct COVID-19 screening for workers.

If you wish to access rapid antigen tests to establish an onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening program for employees with no symptoms, follow the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) program process to apply.

Email [email protected] for an intake assessment.

There are two pathways for B.C. businesses to apply for, and to receive approval to conduct COVID-19 screening activities for workers:

Independently – Businesses apply directly with PHSA.

Safe Screen B.C. – Businesses apply through Safe Screen B.C. to PHSA and receive support and guidance which will streamline and simplify the application process and the implementation of the screening program to meet their specific workplace needs.

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive training and operational support materials and learn about public health reporting requirements. To participate, you will be required to enter into an agreement with the Provincial Health Services Authority

Priority will go to industries with an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 or outbreaks due to high contact between workers including food processing plants.

Learn more here or at safescreenbc.ca.