Self-isolation rules eased; booster shots moved up as Omicron spreads

Self-isolation rules are being eased and access to booster shots accelerated, as the province adapts to a rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

In a New Year’s Eve press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry outlined the new rules, alongside restricting long term care home visits to essential only, starting Jan. 1.

She said the policy will be in place for “as short of period of time as possible,” with a review on Jan. 18, alongside the other public health measures in place.

Self-isolation rules are also changing, though unvaccinated British Columbians are still required to self-isolate for 10 days post a positive test or the onset of symptoms.

Previously, vaccinated people were required to isolate for seven days. But now, those with two doses and no symptoms, or resolving symptoms, only need to isolate for five days. For the five days following, when not alone, a mask must be worn. Large gatherings should be avoided, too.

“This is a risk mitigation strategy. It doesn’t mean that every single person will be through their infectious period in five days, but the vast majority of people are,” Henry said. "If you continue to feel unwell after five days, or you still have a fever, then you must continue to self-isolate until your symptoms resolve.”

The move also comes in an effort to prepare for expected wide-ranging absenteeism, as businesses may be forced to temporarily close if a large number of staff fall ill at the same time. She advised businesses to adjust continuity plans.

“It is a measure to help address some of the worker illness we are starting to see and is likely to get more acute over the next little while,” she said.

Boosting Booster Access

Health officials also announced an expedited booster shot campaign, with hundreds of thousands more set to receive invites in the coming weeks.

After focusing on those most vulnerable to severe illness -- the immunocompromised and elderly --everyone 18 and over will soon be invited to book a third dose.

The interval-based invitation process will start on the afternoon of Jan. 1 and should arrive as close as possible to the six-month mark since the second dose, based on local capacity. However, there are currently 800,000 people under the age of 60 who are past the six-month mark and will be invited first.

In order to increase jab capacity, large complexes like convention centers and sports arenas are being brought back into play. More pharmacies will come online, too, with 1,100 expected to be ready to administer jabs by mid-January.

The lead of B.C.’s COVID-19 immunization program, Dr. Penny Ballem, speaking Friday, said those invited in the coming days should be able to book an appointment within one to five weeks, depending on where they live. People are reminded to check appointment dates often and move them up as more capacity becomes available.

“With the onset of Omicron, it became evident over those two to three weeks prior to Christmas we were going to have to make a switch,” Ballem said, on moving up access to vaccines.

Pregnant women are also being prioritized, as they, too, are at a higher risk for severe illness. Pregnant women vaccinated six months ago are asked to call in and self-identify to register for a shot.

On the last day of 2021, health officials reported 3,795 new cases of COVID-19, a drop from the record 4,383 the day prior.

Interior Health reported 320 cases, with 1,792 active. Fraser Health continues to lead daily case counts, with 1,944. Of the active cases, 220 people are in hospital, with 73 in intensive care.