Phase 2 of the restart plan began on May 19th, 2020 and includes:
- small social gatherings;
- a resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like family practice, physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling;
- provincial parks open for day use;
- opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans
- recalling the provincial legislature for regular sittings.
Essential businesses that have remained open during the pandemic, so far, have done so safely with the support of WorkSafeBC. Government will build on this successful experience by supporting all businesses as they take steps toward a successful reopening.
Sectors that were ordered closed are working with WorkSafeBC to develop plans to reopen safely. WorkSafeBC is developing industry-specific guidance to help employers bring workers and customers back safely.
On May 14th, a new Provincial Health Officer Order on Workplace COVID-19 Safety Plans was issued which confirmed that all Employers were required to establish occupational health and safety policies and programs in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and have been directed by WorkSafeBC to develop a ‘COVID-19 safety plan’ to ensure that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at workplaces is minimized. This order further required that COVID-19 Safety Plans need to be available to the public and workers through posting on websites and at the workplace. Any business restarting operations must ensure it is in compliance with the provincial health officer’s orders and in accordance with occupational health and safety guidance provided by WorkSafeBC.
Businesses are encouraged to reach out to their industry associations to collaborate on guidance and their plans around safely reopening. Individual businesses will need to ensure their own plans align with the posted sector specific plan guidelines.
For the most up to date information on WorkSafeBC guidance please visit https://www.worksafebc.com/en
For the most up to date information on Provincial Health Officer Orders visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.
Information from the Province of BC