Dr. Bonnie Henry extends B.C.’s indoor mask mandate indefinitely

British Columbia’s provincial health officer has extended the mask mandate requiring masks be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C.

The previous health order lasted until Oct. 31 but was extended on Oct. 29 to continue mitigating the effects of COVID-19, according to a press release issued by the province. Friday's extension has not come with an end date.

“The requirement to wear masks in indoor public spaces is being extended during this time of higher transmission of COVID-19 in communities,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, in the release. “This important layer of protection will help make all of us safer, along with practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if sick and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated.”

READ MORE: Nearly all students in Central Okanagan complying with new mask mandate

Masks can be temporarily removed indoors under some circumstances.

These include when verifying a person’s identity, eating and drinking, exercising in a sport or fitness activity in a fitness facility, or when receiving healthcare if a mask interferes.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have all been taking steps to keep our communities safe, and we must continue to do so,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, in the release.

“Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask are important steps we can all take to stay healthy, protect our health-care system, support health-care workers and support one another.”

Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people five and older, regardless of vaccination status.

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