At this time, event organizers are ordered to limit all public gatherings larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor seasonal fairs, sporting events, conferences, meetings, concerts, theatres, religious gatherings or other similar events. A new order for Gatherings and Events was issued on October 9, 2020, with information for banquet halls, events in public and private spaces, as well as liquor service at events.
It is recommended that event organizers keep a record of the name and contact information of the people who attended the event. This record will help public health conduct contact tracing in the event an attendee tests positive for COVID-19.
On October 26, the Provincial Health Officer introduced a new order limiting gatherings in personal homes and residences to no more than the immediate household plus six other people. This means when hosting a gathering, you must stick to your household and a maximum of six additional guests, your ‘safe six’. The order will be posted in the coming days on the PHO website.
The timing for a safe restart for activities requiring large gatherings is still to be determined as part of Phase four of B.C.'s Restart Plan. Opening will be conditional on at least one of the following: wide vaccination, "community immunity" or broad successful treatments.
Marriage commissioners can choose to proceed or not with weddings, as they see fit. Marriage commissioners may require further restrictions on the number of guests at wedding ceremonies to five people; the couple and two witnesses.
If physical distancing is not being practiced, marriage commissioners may refuse to proceed until the ceremony can be managed in an appropriate manner. Large weddings should not be planned at this time. For more information on weddings, visit the B.C. Government website.
When someone dies and you need to look after their affairs, you will need to make decisions about what to do next. The After a Death website can help you through this process. Find out the first steps, discover support options, and learn about funerals and wills. Review the funerals and memorial services page for more information on organizing a service and steps to take to stay safe during a service.
For more information on community gatherings like church services and farmers’ markets, please visit the community settings page.
