BC’s New COVID Strategy: Treat It Like the Flu

BC Independent COVID Modelling Group

First reported by the World Health Organization in late November of 2021, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant strain in BC. Omicron has been seen by experts as milder, and as a result it is more difficult to tell if minor symptoms are COVID-19 or the common cold. 

As the line grew more blurred, demand for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests outstripped BC’s supply, and testing was reserved for at-risk groups and people with moderate to serious symptoms. The result: individual cases are currently not being counted. Instead, hospitalizations and death counts are used to monitor the spread.

In response to Omicron’s mildness and the province’s high overall vaccination rates —  93.2 per cent of eligible people 12 and older in BC have received their first dose as of February 18, 2022 — BC has changed many of its guidelines and restrictions regarding COVID-19. As of early February, the public health orders limited personal gatherings to yours and another household, or ten guests, all vaccinated. Indoor organized gatherings were strictly prohibited, and indoor venues such as movie theatres were reduced to 50 per cent capacity.

Beginning February 17, restrictions were eased. Now, personal gatherings do not have limits on guests. Indoor organized gatherings, gyms, and seated venues are at full capacity. It is to be noted that despite these changes, masks are still required everywhere indoors, and proof of vaccination is needed to enter. Restrictions, barring masks and vaccine passports, are functionally over.

Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry anticipates school COVID-19 guidelines to change “sooner than later,” also citing concern about vaccination rates in children aged 5 to 11. As of February 15, only 55 per cent of eligible children had received one dose. To increase vaccination speed, Henry is considering targeted clinics for younger children, and encourages parent-physician communication on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for children.