The anniversary was one marked by Premier David Eby with a statement that recounted where we were then and where were at now.
"Today is Canada’s National Day of Observance. On this day, we take time to remember all those who have died or have had health complications as a result of COVID-19, and honour our health-care and front-line workers who have been working selflessly and courageously since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.The last year has seen an easing of most of the measures put in place, the economy slowly recovering as has a sense of normalcy for those of us who lived through the COVID years.
One day prior to the Anniversary, the BC Government took another step back from the days of COVID mandates, announcing that the Mandatory vaccination policy had been rescinded for Provincial Public Servants.The change in policy comes into place as of April 3rd. The main focus for the elimination of the vaccination mandate was noted as follows:
"The decision to rescind the policy was made based on the high level of vaccination among public-service employees and the current state of the pandemic. More than 98% of employees met the requirement, which helped keep everyone safe.However there will still be some requirements for provincial employees and contractors to be fully vaccinated, with the largest focus on the Health Care sector.
"While the public service is removing its policy, people are still required to be vaccinated if they work in settings with provincial health officer orders or other vaccination requirements.
Vaccine mandates remain in highest-risk settings where the most vulnerable live and are cared for. This includes facilities in the health-care system."
The full statement can be reviewed here.
Also on Friday, Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry and Health Minster Adrian Dix outlined what the provincial approach on COVID, which is still a very real part of our lives, will look like.
In particular, they provided guidance on what the next Booster Shot program will look like and who it will be directed at, with a reminder that those who not yet been vaccinated with a primary series of vaccinations should do so as soon as possible.As for those who followed the health guidance from Day one and awaiting word on what the Booster program will look like, the health officials outlined the following program that will launch this spring.
“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recently issued guidance on additional booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. B.C. will be adopting this guidance; people at high risk of severe illness including individuals older than 80, all seniors in long-term care homes, Indigenous people older than 70 and people 18 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can get a spring booster.
In addition to high-risk individuals, people 60 and older, or Indigenous people 50 and older, who have not previously contracted COVID-19, can also consider receiving a spring booster dose.
We also continue to encourage everyone six months and older to get immunized with a primary series and, if they’re eligible, a booster dose, including anyone 18 and over who has not yet received a bivalent booster dose."
Appointments are available across B.C. at pharmacies and public health clinics and can be made by phoning 1 883 838-2323
You can also register on line here.
More background on the Booster vaccination program can be reviewed here.
Northern Health's information relay on COVID can be explored here.
You can review our full archive of the times of COVID here.
For Health care themes in the Northwest see our archive page here.
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