07/13/2021
July 13, 2021
Dear Community Member,
On July 1, BC began Step 3 of our Restart Plan. As of this week, nearly 80% of British Columbians have had at least their first dose of vaccine, and our declining case counts show that vaccines are working.
We can move to Step 3 because of our collective efforts and sacrifices. Thank you for everything you’ve done this past year to stay safe.
We are in Step 3
The criteria for Step 3 is at least 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalizations. In Step 3, all sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.
Masks are now recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. While masks are no longer mandatory, individual businesses and organization may still choose to require masks in their spaces. Some people may still want to wear masks in many settings, and that’s ok. My office still has non-medial masks available with “Be kind, Be calm, and Be safe” printed on them, please email or call if you would like to receive one.
Mask guidance
Masks are recommended in indoor public places for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act was lifted July 1.
• You're fully vaccinated 14 days after dose 2
• Masks are optional for children aged 2 to 12
• Children under 2 should not wear masks
• Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers
• Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they're fully vaccinated and that's okay
Step 3 brings us closer to normal, but the pandemic is not behind us yet. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time to do so. Remember to continue washing your hands, staying home when you’re feeling sick, and make sure to get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms. When socializing with friends and family, be mindful of everyone’s individual comfort level, and as always, be kind, be calm, and be safe.
I encourage you to visit this page (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response) for complete details about our Restart Plan and what Step 3 means for you and your family. Here are a few highlights:
• Personal gatherings are back to normal, indoors and outdoors – including sleepovers
• Restaurants, bars, and pubs are no longer limited to 6 people per table
• Fitness classes can resume with normal capacity, indoors and outdoors.
• Indoor and outdoor sports can have more spectators
• We’re welcoming travellers from across Canada
It is important for everyone to do their part and get vaccinated. If you have not registered for your vaccination please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register and register.
Have you already received your first dose? Get ready for your second dose appointment. Visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/dose-2
If you have If you have questions or need any assistance with the Restart Plan, booking your vaccine, finding provincial COVID-19 supports, or any other provincial issue, please reach out. My office can be reached at (604) 586-2740 or by email at [email protected]. My office is open by appointment only for the time being so please call or email prior to attending my office.
Sincerely,
Bruce Ralston, MLA
Surrey - Whalley
MLA Bruce Ralston’s Surrey-Whalley
Constituency Office can help you with:
• Providing information on locating the right services for you.
• Providing information on Government programs, services, and policies.
• Assisting in navigating through government bureaucracy and ensuring due process is being followed.
• Providing contact information for advocates and organizations in the community that will work on your behalf.
• Arranging special greetings for important occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other significant milestones.
• Assist you with resolving issues you may be having with Provincial Ministries or agencies.
• Photocopying, faxing, or emailing documents.
• Drafting and proofreading letters.
• Certifying true copies of originals.
• Mailing letters on your behalf.
Volunteering in the Surrey – Whalley Community Office
Do you have extra time on your hands and want to get involved in your community by helping others? Do you have office skills that you would like to share? Maybe you like to plan, organize, and help host events in our community? Are you a student in need of community hour credits? We have need for all types of people and all kinds of skills. Please call the office at (604) 586-2740 or email [email protected] or visit www.bruceralstonmla.ca and sign up to become a Surrey – Whalley volunteer.
Welcome to the vibrant and diverse community of Surrey – Whalley. Since the opening of our community office in 2005, my staff and I continue to listen to and speak with hundreds of constituents and follow up on issues and …Learn More
