The BC government and its COVID-19 lead Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer (PHO), has officially ended the pandemic mandate. "As British Columbia's provincial health officer, I am issuing an order to end the public-health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinding all related orders,” Henry said in a press release.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – The BC government and its COVID-19 lead Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer (PHO), has officially ended the pandemic mandate.

"As British Columbia's provincial health officer, I am issuing an order to end the public-health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinding all related orders,” Henry said in a press release.

"Since March 2020, we have been in a provincial public-health emergency to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 is not gone, we now have high levels of protection in the health-care system and in communities throughout B.C.

"The latest epidemiological data I have received shows the risk posed by the SARS CoV-2 virus is reduced. Wastewater indicators and testing data show COVID-19 has levelled off and the number of people in intensive care and in hospitals is lower and stable. The level of protection provided by vaccines and hybrid immunity is also helping to protect us.

"Throughout the pandemic, we regularly reviewed the PHO orders based on data and evidence, such as: infection rates; sources of transmission; the presence of clusters and outbreaks, particularly those in health-care facilities; the number of people in hospital and in intensive care; deaths; immunization rates; vaccine availability; and the vulnerability of particular populations.

"In addition, we monitored trends throughout B.C., the rest of Canada and other jurisdictions, and watched closely the evolution of the SARS CoV-2 virus through whole genome sequencing.

"During the pandemic, public-health orders were lifted as the situation changed. These included restrictions on gatherings, mask mandates and other measures aimed at preventing transmission of respiratory illnesses and protecting those most at risk. We are now at the point where I am confident we can continue to manage COVID-19 without the need for the public-health emergency.

"The past four years have been extraordinary, and I know they have had a tremendous impact on all of us, our families and communities. I remain immensely grateful to the people of B.C. who have risen to the occasion and did their best to support each other throughout these most-challenging times with kindness and compassion."

In deciding to end the public-health emergency and those associated emergency powers in the Public Health Act, the PHO has determined the actions outlined under the public-health emergency, such as mandatory vaccinations for health-care workers, are no longer immediately necessary to protect public health from significant harm and there is no longer need to avoid or mitigate an immediate and significant risk to public health.

More specifically, the PHO must find evidence for two of these criteria to exist under Section 52 of the Public Health Act and has determined they no longer do:

1. The regional event could have a serious impact on public health.
2. The regional event is unusual or unexpected.
3. There is a significant risk of the spread of an infectious agent or a hazardous agent.
4. There is a significant risk of travel or trade restrictions as a result of the regional event.