Churches can return to full capacity and face masks become optional as of midnight tonight following announced lifting of restrictions by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry Thursday.

At a press conference, Henry said capacity limits on faith gatherings will end at midnight tonight, as will a ban on overnight and youth camps. Long-term care visits are also being restored.

Henry also said the B.C. Vaccine Card program will end as of Friday, April 8.

This is the second time the mask mandate has been lifted. It was previously removed on July 1, 2021, only to be reinstated less than eight weeks later.

A memo from the Archdiocese of Vancouver to priests and parish staff went out this afternoon, advising  that all worship services can proceed at 100 per cent capacity and there are no longer any requirements for vaccination verification. The requirement for everyone to wear a mask has also been removed.

The statement said non-worship events and social activities are included in the lifting of the mask requirement but remain subject to vaccination requirements until April 8.

The statement read, “Some of the events in the following list are already going ahead in-person, without proof of vaccination requirements at many parishes, as those parishes have included them as part of the parish's COVID-19 safety plan, which provides a greater range of options.”

  • Synod conversation circles
  • PREP
  • RCIA
  • Pastoral council meetings
  • CWL and K of C meetings
  • Alpha and Discovery programs
  • Faith Study programs
  • Prayer groups
  • Youth groups and activities
  • Indoor recreational sports
  • Group retreats
  • Coffee after Mass
  • Receptions for funerals/weddings
  • Other meetings or events of a non-liturgical nature

Parishes were told they “may still recommend (but not require) masks for worship services or other indoor events” and were asked to ensure church signage reflects the new changes.

At B.C. schools, the mandatory mask order will remain in place until the first day after spring break, which for students in Catholic schools is Monday, March 28. Students and staff are required to wear masks in school and on buses until then. 

As of March 28, the wearing of masks by students, staff, or visitors in schools will be optional.