This is an evolving situation. Information on this page is subject to change and will be updated frequently. (Current as of: March 21, 2020)
It is extremely important that everyone works to prevent the spread of this virus – even if you do not feel personally at risk we must all do our part to protect vulnerable community members as well as ensure our health care system is not overwhelmed. We must all take measures to slow transmission to protect our communities and health care system.
👏 Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
🤧 Sneeze/cough into your elbow
🚫 Avoid touching your face
↔️ Maintain 2m (6ft) distance from others.
🏠 Stay home unless absolutely necessary. Do not visit your family, friends, or neighbours – but keep in touch by telephone or digital communication.
🌳 It is okay to go outside for fresh air and exercise, but stay away from others.
😷 Self-isolate if you are sick, even if it is not COVID-19.
Emergency Status
⛔️ Public Health Emergency declared, effective March 17, 2020.
⛔️ Provincial State of Emergency declared, effective March 18, 2020.
Official Health Information on COVID-19
Be cautious of the source of information you read about the virus – particularly online. There is misinformation circulating on social media about transmission, prevention, and other aspects of this virus. Ensure you are getting your information from reputable sites such as:
Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry are providing daily updates which can be watched live or streamed later on the Government of British Columbia Facebook Page.
Do I need testing?
Find out by using the online BC COVID-19 Self Assessment tool: covid19.thrive.health
Do I need to stockpile food and supplies?
Our retail supply-chain providers have assured us they have an abundance of supply and are restocking regularly. There is no need to stockpile.
Where do I go if I have questions?
If you are looking for medical information about COVID-19:
- Call: 8-1-1* ☎️
If you are looking for non-medical information about COVID-19:
- Call: 1-888-COVID-19* ☎️
- Text: 604-630-0300 📱
- Online: BC CDC 🌐
*Translation available in over 100 languages
Mandatory Orders from the Provincial Health Officer
These are mandatory orders for everyone in BC:
❌ Gatherings larger than 50 people are banned.
🧍↔️🧍 Maintain 2m (6ft) distance from others.
🏠 Stay home unless absolutely necessary. Do not visit your family, friends, or neighbours – but keep in touch by telephone or digital communication.
🌳 It is okay to go outside for fresh air and exercise, but stay away from others.
😷 Self-isolate if you are sick, even if it is not COVID-19.
⚠️ Travellers entering the country must self-isolate for fourteen days.
💇 All personal service establishments (salons, spas, massage, tattoo, etc) must close.
🍻 All casinos and liquor-primary establishments (bars/clubs) must close.
🥡 Restaurants must move to pick-up/delivery service only, or close.
🏪 All businesses must adjust their operations to meet social distancing orders and should implement enhanced cleaning, or close.
⚠️ Employers must waive the requirement for doctors notes or testing for people to stay home.