[BCMA] Update on New Public Health Orders and What it Means for Museums

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello everyone,

Yesterday the BC Government, by order and direction of the Provincial
Health Officer (PHO), mandated that all individuals, places of work and
businesses in B.C. must significantly reduce their level of social
interactions and travel. At this time, the BCMA has not received specific
directions from the Province to pass along to museums, galleries, and
cultural organizations beyond what applies to all sectors province-wide.

The new regulations are available here
<https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions>
and we encourage members to review this resource. These new regulations are
currently in effect from November 19, 2020 at midnight to December 7, 2020
at midnight.

Members should be aware of the following regulations:


   -

   Masks are now required for everyone in all public indoor settings and
   workplaces.
   <https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#masks>
   -

      People who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt
      -

      Employers are expected to enforce the mandatory mask policy with both
      employees and customers
      -

      A customer can be refused entry or service if they do not wear a mask



   -

   At this time, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes
   travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.
   <https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#travel>



   -

   All events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order –
   Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended.
   <https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#social-gatherings>
   For example:
   -

      Galas
      -

      Musical or theatre performances
      -

      Seasonal activities
      -

      Silent auctions


While the day-to-day operations of museums are not being restricted by the
new regulations, the BCMA will stay in touch with our partners in the B.C.
Government and will update members on any new relevant information as we
receive it.

If you need signs for your site to remind visitors of the need to wear
masks or to follow social distancing, the B.C. Government has resources for
download available here: BCCDC signage and posters
<http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/covid-19-care/signage-posters>
and CDC print materials
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/print-resources.html?Sort=Date%3A%3Adesc>
.

The BCMA also has some resources available to support members during the
COVID-19 pandemic: COVID-19 Tools and Resources
<http://museumsassn.bc.ca/brain/tools-and-resources/covid-19-tools-and-resources/>
.

To flatten this new curve it is critical that all British Columbians do
their part. On behalf of the BCMA, thank you for your work, creativity, and
resilience during this difficult time. If you have questions or ideas for
new ways for the BCMA to support you, please do not hesitate to contact us:
bcma at museumsassn.bc.ca.

Sincerely,

Ryan

*Ryan Hunt*
Executive Director
Pronouns: He/him

The BC Museums Association Secretariat is located on the traditional lands
of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. We are grateful for the
opportunity to live and learn here in mutual respect and appreciation.

BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street  || Victoria, BC || V8W 9W2

Direct: 250-884-0499 || Office: 250-356-5700  || www.museumsassn.bc.ca


The new issue of *Roundup *magazine on diversity and inclusion in BC's
cultural sector is out now. *Read it here!*
<http://museumsassn.bc.ca/brain/learning-opportunities/round-up/>
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