Safer Social Interactions

Social interactions are important for our well-being. Everyone can make decisions on how to spend time with others in a way that feels best for them.

Last updated: April 6, 2023

You can choose to interact with others based on your comfort and risk. Here are some things to consider when spending time with others.

Vaccination

Get vaccinated against COVID-19 by getting all recommended doses when you are eligible. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Vaccines are most effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. It is possible to get and pass on COVID-19 after you are vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are still at higher risk of getting COVID-19, becoming seriously ill and passing it on to others.

You don't need proof of vaccination to access businesses, events or services in B.C. You may need proof of vaccination for international travel.

Learn about accessing your proof of vaccination

Stay home when sick

If you feel sick, stay home. Resting at home can help you recover and minimize transmission to others.

People who have symptoms should refer to the COVID-19 testing information to determine if testing is appropriate and follow self-isolation guidelines.

Practice good hygiene etiquette

Bring hand sanitizer with you when you go out and clean your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Wash your hands before you leave your home and as soon as you return.

Masks

Wearing a mask in most indoor public spaces is a personal choice.

You may be required to wear a mask when visiting some healthcare facilities, businesses, workplaces or events.

Medical masks, respirators and 3 layer cloth masks are best and should fit closely to the face covering the nose, mouth and chin.

Learn more about masks

Ventilation

Good ventilation exchanges indoor air for outdoor air.

If someone is infected with a respiratory virus such as COVID-19, they can spread the virus when they breathe, talk, laugh, sing, cough or sneeze. Bringing fresh air into the room helps to prevent the build up of virus particles indoors.

One way you can improve ventilation is by opening windows or doors. The building’s mechanical ventilation, meaning central heating or ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, also replaces the air with fresh air.

Learn more about ventilation.

Using additional measures of protection

There are many tools that can help protect you and your family from respiratory illnesses, like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV.

You can decide how and when to use these tools while making sure you are supporting your overall physical and mental health. For example, you may apply more tools if you are at higher risk of serious illness.

Use this toolkit to consider what measures are right for you.