The BC public mask mandate for all indoor public spaces has now been expanded to include children five and older.
The provincial mandate originally applied to people born in 2012 or earlier (nine and up), but this change comes following the school board announcement that young people from grades K-12 would be required to wear their masks during class.
“I’m adjusting our public mask mandate and requiring everyone 5 years of age and older to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces, which will be posted in the updated order today,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.
“I just want to say how impressed I am, and I continue to be amazed at the adaptability and resilience of children across this province. Many of them have told me that they know how to wear a mask now and that is something they do to keep themselves safe, to keep their families safe, and I just want to say thank you.”
The province is also getting prepared to provide COVID-19 vaccines to youth aged five to 11, as soon as the vaccines are approved for youth by Health Canada.
While waiting for approval, parents can now pre-register their children for the vaccine the same way individuals have registered themselves for the past year.
“We have heard that at least the preliminary data package has been submitted to Health Canada, and we may have that important vaccine available to us as early as, early November,” explained Henry.
“We continue to talk to school communities, families, and parents to ensure the process will be as seamless as possible for everyone and make sure our logistics are all in place so we can provide this vaccine as soon as it is available.”
Notifications of eligibility to book an appointment will be provided as soon as the vaccines are approved for use by Health Canada.
