Following Premier Horgan, Minister Dix, Minister Kahlon and Dr. Henry’s announcement on June 29, 2021, BC looks to transition gradually to Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan as of July 1, 2021. The Provincial Health Officer’s (PHO) statement, released June 17, sees a move from COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease plans, starting July 1, 2021.

Guidance in Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan includes the following safety precautions: – NEW

• Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act will be lifted July 1, 2021.
• Engage in careful social contact.
• If you or anyone in your family feels sick, stay home and get tested immediately.

During the PHO’s presentation on June 29, Dr. Henry advised, “masks may be required in many facilities and many stores for example” and “we still will expect most people to be wearing masks in those indoor settings when we are around other people.”

WorkSafeBC Preparing for Step 3 of BC’s Restart: Communicable disease prevention – NEW

Chiropractors may begin to transition away from COVID-19 safety plans towards communicable disease prevention plans.

This web page provides the necessary information and actions steps. Chiropractors are asked to read it carefully and fully:

• From COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease prevention
• Responding to elevated risk
• Additional measures:
  • physical distancing
  • barriers
  • enhanced cleaning and disinfection
  • WorkSafeBC FAQ’s

Chiropractors must ensure that fundamental measures of communicable disease prevention are in place at their workplace, including: (links included)

Ongoing measures — maintain at all times:

• Implementing policies to support staff who may be sick with a communicable disease (for example, fever and/or chills, recent onset of coughing, diarrhea), so they can avoid being at the workplace;
• Promoting hand hygiene by providing hand hygiene facilities with appropriate supplies and reminding employees through policies and signage to wash their hands regularly and to use appropriate hygiene practices;
• Maintaining a clean environment through routine cleaning processes (surface and equipment cleaning);
• Ensuring building ventilation is properly maintained and functioning as designed; and,
• Supporting employees in receiving vaccinations for vaccine-preventable conditions to the extent that you are able.

Chiropractors must also be prepared to implement or maintain additional prevention measures at times when the risk of communicable disease in their region or workplace is elevated, as advised and directed by public health in your workplace or region.

Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers – the Communicable Disease Plan – NEW, click and then download the Guide.

To provide a better understanding of workplace requirements to implement communicable disease prevention, WorkSafeBC has posted OHS Guideline G-P2-21 Communicable disease prevention in advance of its effective date of July 1, 2021.

As additional information and updates become available, we will notify registrants.

Stay up to date, check B.C.’s response to COVID-19 page regularly for the latest ease of restrictions and amendments.