Masks are once again required in all indoor public spaces in B.C.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.

A new order from the provincial health officer will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:

- malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores;

- liquor and drug stores;

- airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres;

- restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated);

- on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle;

- areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided;

- common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity;

- common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations; and

- Inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12.

This temporary order will be reassessed as the B.C. vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings, as announced on Aug. 23.