VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s top doctor Bonnie Henry says the requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 is being reduced to five days for those without symptoms.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says people must wear a mask around others for an additional five days after leaving self-isolation, which is dependent on being free of symptoms.
People who haven’t been vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days.
Starting Saturday, visits to long-term care and assisted living facilities will also be limited to essential visitors in response to recent outbreaks. Henry says cases of the Omicron variant are surging across the province.
The provincial government is also expediting booster shots for many essential workers and pregnant women, Henry added. Pregnant women can get a booster shot six months after their second dose. In addition, British Columbia will move to an interval-based booster shot process. The goal is now to have everyone get a booster after their second shot six months later.
She told a news conference she will re-evaluate the decision to restrict visitors on Jan. 18, when further COVID-19 public health measures are also set to expire.