B.C. clubs back in action, masks no longer mandatory

British Columbians are hitting up the dance floors at local nightclubs for the first time this week without their masks as the public health orders eased.

Nightclubs re-opened mid-last month to full capacity however, masks were still mandated.

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Despite the end of the mask mandate in public indoor spaces, health officials continue to urge locals to remain vigilant. This is being re-emphasized by Delta Hospital Emergency Department Doctor, Michael Curry.

He tells CityNews that being vaccinated protects people from severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19. So, going out and enjoying the night with your masks off shouldn’t be too dangerous. But you should consider wearing a mask if you’re in crowded areas.

“If you’re on a dance floor that’s really packed or on a bus or a Skytrain that might be crowded, you should consider wearing your masks.”

Curry also says, if you are feeling a little nervous about going out to crowded atmospheres, you should probably consider staying home.

Curry warns, down the road, contract tracers might have a tough time tracking down possible COVID exposures from the perspective of health regions.

“The big challenge is since a number of things have opened up, the number of contacts you have are going to grow exponentially….a year, year and a half ago when we were limited to small groups at restaurants or bars it was pretty easy to trace who you’d been in contact with.”

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said this week that B.C.’s high vaccination rate and lower infections factored in the decision to ease restrictions, but she also cautioned that residents need to be prepared for changes if COVID-19 surges again.