PHO Issues New Order...

PHO Issues New Order Regarding Mass Gatherings

May 26, 2020

On May 22, 2020, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer issued a new order with respect to the holding of events with more than 50 persons (“mass gathering events”). This order replaces her original mass gathering order dated March 16, 2020, which we wrote about here.

The new order continues to prohibit the hosting of any indoor or outdoor events which involve the gathering of more than 50 people for the purpose of the event. However, the order carves out “drive-in” events that comply with the following rules:

patrons must remain in their vehicles, except to use the washroom;
no more than 50 vehicles may be present at the event;
washroom facilities must be provided with running water, soap and a sanitary means for drying hands; and
no food or drink may be sold at the event.

The new order also clarifies that the mass gathering order does not apply to:

the presence of workers at a worksite when engaged in their work activities;
customers at a mall or retail establishment when engaged in shopping or seeking services;
individuals attending episodic vending markets (e., farmers’ markets or other food markets); or
individuals at a campsite, park or any outside location when not attending an event.

The Provincial Health Officer’s new mass gathering order can be reviewed here.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact Sari Wiens, Ilan Burkes, Nicole Toye or Jessica Fairbairn.

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