The COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia forms part of an ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On January 28, 2020, British Columbia became the second province to confirm a case of COVID-19 in Canada.^[2] The first case of infection involved a patient who had recently returned from Wuhan, Hubei, China.^[3] The first case of community transmission in Canada was confirmed in British Columbia on March 5, 2020.^[4]

British Columbians have taken numerous emergency measures in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, such as social distancing and self-isolation. On March 23, 2020, British Columbian Premier John Horgan announced the details of the province-wide emergency relief plan, which includes income support, tax relief and direct funding in order to mitigate economic effects of the pandemic.^[5]

Management

A public health emergency was declared in the province on March 17.^[6] On June 29, 2021, BC Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth signed Ministerial Order M275^[7] to come into effect at the end of the day on June 30, 2021, ending the province-wide state of emergency since March 18, 2020.^[8] Several municipalities in the Metro Vancouver Regional District have declared local states of emergency, including Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, and Richmond.^[9]

On March 19, the BC Housing Management Commission placed a moratorium on evictions from government subsidized housing.^[9]

British Columbia provided an online self assessment tool for those who are concerned they may be infected.^[10] First responders such as police and firefighters have begun to ask screening questions about COVID-19 symptoms prior to attendance, and may wear additional personal protective equipment upon attendance to residences.^[11]

Closures

Gatherings of over 50 people have been banned, and bars and nightclubs have been ordered to close.^[12] Restaurants and cafes were initially permitted to remain open as long as staff were able to maintain physical distance from customers. However, on March 20, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry ordered the closure of all dine-in establishments.^[13] On March 21, she ordered all personal service establishments, such as day spas, hair and beauty salons, and tattoo parlours, to close for the foreseeable future.^[14] Many cities have closed public playgrounds, including Vancouver,^[15] Delta,^[16] Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.^[17]

Numerous businesses have voluntarily reduced operating hours or closed physical locations. Many have moved operations to phone and internet.^[18][9]

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  Northeast facade of the Vancouver Art Gallery; normally a busy location, physical distancing has caused a sharp decrease in crowds.
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  An almost empty SkyTrain; normally trains would be packed full of people.
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  Closed movie theatre in Surrey
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  Playground in Port Moody, closed off with caution tape. A sign indicates the playground is closed.
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  The same playground, re-opened, with signage cautioning that special care should still be taken due to COVID-19.

Timeline