WATCH: Dr. Henry gives the news we’ve been waiting for

• Mask mandate ends March 11, vaccine card ends April 8
• Dr. Henry explains how we're able to move from mandates to an 'empowered' approach

Almost two years since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, the government has announced two key restrictions are ending.

The face mask mandate will end almost immediately, and the B.C. Vaccine Card not longer be needed in four weeks’ time.

Health officials are making the move based on record high vaccination numbers that have helped decrease the amount of cases and hospitalizations.

A total of 90.8 per cent of British Columbians aged 12 and over have had two vaccinations, while 55.7 per cent of kids aged 5-11 have received a first dose. There were 405 COVID-19 positive people in hospital as of Thursday morning.

Bye-bye to mask mandate

The face mask mandate will be dropped as of 12:01 a.m. Friday for low-risk indoor locations. Masks may still be required in high-risk areas like health care settings and facilities.

Businesses can continue to require the use of masks and their use is still encouraged where people are within close proximity of each other, such as on public transit.

Additional easing of restrictions includes the restoration of long-term care visitation as long as visitors are fully vaccinated and screened. Faith gathering capacity limits will also be lifted.

COVID-19 guidelines are being adjusted to advise that mask use is no longer required when K-12 students return from spring break.

Vaccine passport ending next month

The second phase of the easing restrictions in B.C. will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022.

The B.C. Vaccine Card, or passport as it’s become known as, will no longer be required. Businesses can transition from a COVID-19 safety plan to a communicable disease plan.

The post-secondary residence vaccine requirement will be lifted., too.