As the provincial vaccine roll-out continues, it is important that all community members have the correct information about current COVID-19 protocols and vaccinations. We encourage everyone to register for a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
Over the past few weeks, my office has been receiving many questions from constituents regarding current COVID-19 restrictions and what the rules are around travel. Restrictions have changed as of May 25th. The government has introduced a 4 step BC Restart plan and we are now currently in Step 1.
Step 1 means that outdoor personal gatherings of up to 10 people and indoor gatherings with up to 5 visitors or 1 other household are allowed. Indoor low intensity group exercise is also allowed while indoor high intensity group exercise remains prohibited. Indoor and outdoor dining is now allowed with capacity limits based on physical distancing. There is a maximum of 6 people allowed at a table which is not restricted to your household or bubble. You must still wear a mask when not at a table. Furthermore, masks are still required for everyone in public indoor settings.
Non-essential travel between travel zones remains restricted.
I would encourage you to visit the BC Government’s COVID-19 website where a more fulsome list of restrictions can be found.
Community members continue to be vaccinated on the Saanich Peninsula, Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands. Over the past month, clinics have been traveling to the Southern Gulf Islands where Island Health has taken the ‘Whole Community Approach’, meaning that whole communities (18+) are vaccinated at one time. The clinics have now finished distributing the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to constituents on Mayne Island, Saturna Island, Galiano Island and Pender Island.
Several constituents from Salt Spring have reached out to my office with questions as to why Salt Spring was not included in this ‘Whole Community Approach’. I have shared these concerns with Island Health. They have informed me that the decision to take this approach was based on travel barriers to access larger clinics as well as a population under 4,000. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Salt Spring is located at the ArtSpring Centre.
Registration for the COVID-19 vaccine is now open to all those 12+. We urge everyone to register for a vaccine as soon as possible.
The fastest option for registration is online at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca - To register online you must provide your first and last name, date of birth, postal code, Personal Health Number, email address/phone number.
You can still register even if you do not have a Personal Health Number either over the phone or at a Service BC office. To register by phone, you can call 1-833-838-2323. This phone number is in operation 7 days a week from 7am – 7pm. If you need a translator, one can be provided. If you’d like specific information regarding vaccines for youth (age 12-17) please visit this government website. Youth can get vaccinated by themselves, with their parents, with their friends, or with a trusted adult.
In the past week, my office has also received several inquiries regarding registration for the second dose of the vaccine. If you received your first dose before the online registration was rolled out, you will have to register for your second dose. You can do so either over the phone or online. If you received your first dose after the online registration system was rolled out, then you will be notified either by email/phone/text when you can book your second dose.
If you have any questions or concerns about the current COVID-19 restrictions or how to register for a vaccine, please do not hesitate to contact my office either by email (adam.olsen.mla@leg.bc.ca) or over the phone (250 655 5600).
