Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer (PHO), has issued the following statement:

“As British Columbia’s provincial health officer, I am issuing an order to end the public-health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinding all related orders.

“Since March 2020, we have been in a provincial public-health emergency to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 is not gone, we now have high levels of protection in the health-care system and in communities throughout B.C.

“The latest epidemiological data I have received shows the risk posed by the SARS CoV-2 virus is reduced. Wastewater indicators and testing data show COVID-19 has levelled off and the number of people in intensive care and in hospitals is lower and stable. The level of protection provided by vaccines and hybrid immunity is also helping to protect us.

“Throughout the pandemic, we regularly reviewed the PHO orders based on data and evidence, such as: infection rates; sources of transmission; the presence of clusters and outbreaks, particularly those in health-care facilities; the number of people in hospital and in intensive care; deaths; immunization rates; vaccine availability; and the vulnerability of particular populations.

“In addition, we monitored trends throughout B.C., the rest of Canada and other jurisdictions, and watched closely the evolution of the SARS CoV-2 virus through whole genome sequencing.

“During the pandemic, public-health orders were lifted as the situation changed. These included restrictions on gatherings, mask mandates and other measures aimed at preventing transmission of respiratory illnesses and protecting those most at risk. We are now at the point where I am confident we can continue to manage COVID-19 without the need for the public-health emergency.

“The past four years have been extraordinary, and I know they have had a tremendous impact on all of us, our families and communities. I remain immensely grateful to the people of B.C. who have risen to the occasion and did their best to support each other throughout these most-challenging times with kindness and compassion.”

A backgrounder follows.