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Great news!!!!! The Provincial Government has announced that B.C. is moving to Step 3 of its four-step restart plan on July 1, 2021. 

What does this mean for 4-H in BC? As of July 1, 2021:

• Many public health orders are replaced with targeted restrictions and guidance that are effective and efficient;

• The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act is lifted as of July 1^st;

• Spectators are permitted at events and activities;

• Increased attendance at events of up to 50% of the venue’s total capacity;

• An Assumption of Risk and Waiver: Coronavirus/COVID-19 must still be submitted to the 4-H BC office by anyone planning to attend a 4-H event (prior to attending the event). Note: if you have already submitted a waiver, another form is not required;

• COVID-19 Safety Planning Check Lists are no longer required, however Activity Planning Forms must be submitted using the Youth Safety Reporting System for the following events and programs:

• Multiple club or regional events;

• 4-H organized transportation and/or accommodations;

• Higher-risk activities (i.e. skiing, water activities, paintball, woodsmen competition, operation of recreational vehicles, etc.);

• Services from third-party providers requiring a waiver (i.e. archery or shooting range, trampoline park, etc.).

Youth Safety Reporting is covered in the 4-H Administration Course which is mandatory for all leaders – new and returning – to complete. For those that have not completed this training, please watch the leadership training page on the 4-H BC website for more course offerings coming this fall.

Mask Guidance

• Masks are no longer mandatory, however are still recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.

• No proof of vaccination is needed.

• You are fully vaccinated 14 days after dose 2.

• Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they are fully vaccinated.

Moving from Step 2 to Step 3 also includes:  

• Maximum capacity for indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;

• Maximum capacity for outdoor organized gatherings of 5,000 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;

• Respect local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities and Indigenous communities;

• Respect personal space and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing;

• If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately.

References:

• BC’s Restart: A plan to bring us back together https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart#step-three

• Another Step Forward https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/RestartBC_Step3.pdf

This notice will be updated as new information is available.