New COVID restrictions for B.C. long-term care homes; easing of self-isolation rules

As of tomorrow, Jan. 1, only essential visitors will be allowed into long-term care homes.

That’s one of a number of changes to health rules dealing with growing COVID-19 cases announced by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry at a news briefing today, Dec. 31.

“What we are seeing right now is, once again, this virus has changed,” she said. “It is spreading rapidly in our communities.”

READ MORE: Record-setting day for new COVID cases in B.C. and Interior Health

While residents in long-term care have received booster shots of the COVID vaccine, the immunity it provides is not 100%, especially with older people and those with compromised immune systems, so there’s been an increase in outbreaks in care facilities, Dr. Henry said.

The rules will be reviewed on Jan. 18.

People who are fully vaccinated, and have mild or no symptoms of COVID, need to self-isolate for only five days after their symptoms resolve. Previously it was 10 days of self-isolation.

Those who are not vaccinated need to self-isolate for the full 10 days.

READ MORE: Ontario, Quebec report record COVID-19 cases as N.B. tightens rules

Those who are vaccinated but have no symptoms, or symptoms that are resolving, can do things like go back to work after five days but must wear masks for the following five days and not go to group gatherings.

If they still have a fever or feel unwell after five days, they need to continue to self-isolate, Dr. Henry said.

There is no need to be tested in these cases, she said.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to more severe illness so they are now eligible for a booster shot six months after their second dose, regardless of their age. They must contact health authorities with their status and book an appointment by calling 1-833-838-2323.

Anyone over the age of 18 will be invited to get a booster shot once they’ve reached six months from their second dose. The hope is that everyone can get their booster within two to three weeks of getting their invitations to begin with, and it's hoped it will go faster later in the month.

Since the booster program started on Oct. 27, 240,000 people invited to get booster doses have not yet booked their shots, Dr. Penny Ballam, who is leading B.C.’s vaccination program, said.

Dr. Henry noted that the highly contagious Omicron variant is causing staff shortages in health-care settings and other businesses.

“I encourage all employers to prepare for the need for employees to stay home if they are sick,” Dr. Henry said, noting that may mean temporary closures if there is not enough staff.

Those businesses that can have staff working from home should do so, Dr. Henry said.

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