8.22°C Vancouver

Oct 13, 2021 12:29 AM -

COVID-19 mask mandate now includes children aged five and older

Share On
covid-19-mask-mandate-now-includes-children-aged-five-and-older
B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry during a press conference in Victoria. (Photo - B.C. Govt.)

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is expanding the COVID-19 mask mandate to include children aged five and older.

Dr. Henry has been under pressure from some teachers and parents to include all children instead of just those aged 12 and up in the order to wear masks in public spaces.

She also announced today that BC is planning to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to about 340-thousand children aged 5 to 11 as early as November, pending approval by Health Canada.

Dr. Henry says the start of the campaign will be prioritized in the northern region, where COVID-19 transmission rates are highest and vaccine uptake is low.

Latest news

premier-eby-tours-progress-at-the-new-surrey-hospital-and-bc-cancer-centre-construction-site
BCMar 06, 2026

Premier Eby tours progress at the new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre construction site

Premier David Eby was in Surrey today. At around 10 a.m., he toured the new Surrey Hospital and BC Cancer Centre, being built near 180 Street and James Hill Drive in Surrey. He held technical discussions with trades team and the hospital representatives regarding construction works and the hospital. Speaking to the media after the visit, Premier said “the last time I came to this place, this seemed like a big hole in the ground, and today the construction work of the hospital is progressing in the right direction.” The Premier, while explaining the information gathered from the sites duri
leblanc-to-meet-u-s-trade-representative-in-washington-ahead-of-cusma-review
CanadaMar 06, 2026

LeBlanc to meet U.S. trade representative in Washington ahead of CUSMA review

Canada’s Minister of Canada–U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington today as both countries prepare for a mandatory review of the continental trade agreement known as Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. LeBlanc’s office said the meeting will focus on the upcoming review of the pact, commonly called CUSMA, as well as other bilateral trade issues between Canada and the United States. The agreement, which also includes Mexico, requires a joint review by member countries to determine whether the deal will continue or
b-c-legislature-passes-trade-recognition-act-allowing-goods-sold-in-canada-to-be-sold-in-province
BCMar 06, 2026

B.C. legislature passes Trade Recognition Act allowing goods sold in Canada to be sold in province

The British Columbia legislature has passed Bill 5, the Trade Recognition Act, with support from all parties, a move the provincial government says will reduce interprovincial trade barriers and expand market access for businesses. The legislation allows goods and services that are legally sold in another Canadian province or territory to be sold in British Columbia without requiring duplicate provincial certification, according to the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said the measure builds on previous efforts to streamline i
coroner-says-b-c-teen-drowned-after-dingo-attack-on-australian-island
BCMar 06, 2026

Coroner says B.C. teen drowned after dingo attack on Australian island

An Australian coroner says a 19-year-old woman from British Columbia drowned after being attacked by a pack of dingoes during an early morning walk on an island off Queensland. Piper James was on a backpacking trip and had been working on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, when she died on Jan. 19. According to the Coroners Court of Queensland, a forensic pathologist with Queensland Health determined James drowned after sustaining multiple injuries during the attack. A spokesperson for the coroner said the injuries occurred “due to or as a consequence of” the dingo attack. Authoritie
canada-issues-travel-advisory-warning-citizens-about-security-risks-in-pakistan
CanadaMar 06, 2026

Canada issues travel advisory warning citizens about security risks in Pakistan

The Government of Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for Canadians travelling to Pakistan, warning that the security situation in parts of the country remains fragile. According to the advisory published by Global Affairs Canada, rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing military clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border have increased safety concerns for travellers. Canadian officials say risks in Pakistan include terrorism, kidnapping and sectarian violence, and travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution. The advisory recommends that Canadians avoid all

Related News