Big events in B.C. not spiking COVID-19 cases, says health authority
Posted September 10, 2021 1:12 pm.
Last Updated September 10, 2021 1:14 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Big events will keep happening in B.C. throughout the fourth wave, including Friday’s Whitecaps game, but Vancouver Coastal Health said no outbreaks have been linked to BC Place since events resumed there last month.
Reintroducing mass gatherings is part of the province’s Restart Plan, which is in Stage 3.
BC Place spokesperson Jenna Visram supports hosting large events with capacity limits.
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But Peter Czimmerman with the Vancouver Southsiders — a supporter group of the Whitecaps — says some fans are still concerned about COVID-19 and crowds.
“Some of them are not super comfortable, but also it’s not really mandatory to go to games,” he said.
The stadium has introduced new safety measures such as a clear bag policy, touch-free entry processes, and cashless payments. Guests are also encouraged to use safe and secure mobile tickets to keep touch points as low as possible.
It's @WhitecapsFC match day! ????
Here's what you need to know before visiting #BCPlace
Full details: https://t.co/SPLF8hg40n #VWFC pic.twitter.com/YAUcw1J9KK
— BC Place (@bcplace) September 10, 2021
Masks are mandatory at BC Place, even if the roof is open. Czimmerman recommends the stadium keep it open every day, but Visram says that’s not always possible due to weather conditions.
“I consider most of BC Place to not be an indoor venue because there’s a lot of air in there,” said Czimmerman. “But yes, it would probably be better if it was open.”
Friday’s Whitecaps game comes as BC Place is set to host a major rugby tournament, HSBC Canada Sevens, next weekend.
Starting Sept. 13, a new vaccine passport will be required to enter BC Place. Only those with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to attend.
