On March 10, Dr. Bonnie Henry made a major announcement on a variety of public health restrictions that could finally be lifted, just in time for Spring Break – no longer being required to wear masks indoors was one of them. She said we can do this because so many people in B.C. have gotten their COVID-19 vaccinations, the number of cases is dropping, and the concern about overwhelming the health care system has passed for now.

In addition, free Rapid Test Kits are now available through select pharmacies to individuals aged 30+. They are intended to be used when feeling symptoms of illness in order to check for COVID-19 at home.

As always, if you feel sick, please stay home and/or reschedule your appointment with us.

What does this mean at posAbilities?

Face Masks are Optional Effective Immediately
posAbilities employees and persons served no longer need to wear a face mask at work/in program. Masks are still encouraged in spaces where physical distancing is not possible, but they are now optional. (There may be some exceptions where individuals are vulnerable to critical illness from COVID-19). We recommend that persons served continue to keep a clean mask with them for use as needed/desired.

Group Programs are Back
We are pleased to announce that we are re-starting in-person group programs like: Community Kitchens, Buddy Club, Let’s Get Real (dating connections), PEERS, LINK, and other skill development programs. We also hope to be able to pull off Camp Sasamat once again this fall! We will be updating our events calendar as these groups come back.

We Can Visit Indoors, in Groups of Any Size
We look forward to participating in more indoor and outdoor visits with you, and other kinds of gatherings – like our amazing Annual Picnic! Group size restrictions have now been removed.

Food and Entertainment Options Grow
We look forward to heading off to more food and beverage establishments, churches, community centres, pools, fitness classes, theatres, public attractions like the PNE, Science World, Aquarium and other entertainment venues without restrictions to group size.

*Please note that Vaccine Passports will be discontinued on April 8, 2022, however individual businesses reserve the right to continue to request proof of vaccination. We encourage everyone to maintain full vaccination status, and to get their boosters if they have not already done so.

Volunteer activities are also likely to pick up shortly!

Support as Restrictions Lift
The lifting of public health restrictions impacts the health, safety and comfort of us all. We know many individuals and families are thinking through how to adjust their lives during this time. We welcome you to read this email from Community Living BC (CLBC) with some things to think about as you adjust. For more information, feel free to join CLBC’s next COVID-19 update call for individuals and families on Tuesday, April 19, from 1-2pm. Deputy provincial health officer Dr. Daniele Behn Smith will be online to answer your questions. To register for the call, contact clbc.administration@gov.bc.ca

We are grateful for the effort that individuals and families have taken to keep themselves and others healthy and safe.  We recognize that people have different comfort levels and may be feeling concerned or anxious with these new conditions. While we are all trying to ‘get back to normal’, we will monitor the situation closely to see if any changes to our operations are required. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your liaison at posAbilities for more information, or contact me directly.

Let’s Spring forward in a kind and supportive way!