If you were thinking public spaces in BC would be free of masks come September, think again.

Today, the BC government issued a public health order that will reinstate a mandatory mask requirement in all public spaces in BC, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise once again across the province.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday.

“As transmission of COVID-19 increases in B.C., primarily among unvaccinated people and in part due to the Delta variant, it’s important to take this extra temporary step to make indoor public spaces safer for everyone. We need to continue doing the things that protect us, including wearing masks in indoor, public areas, practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if we are sick and keeping a respectful distance from people. And most important of all, every person should get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.”

As of Aug. 25, masks will be required in all public spaces for people 12 and older. According to Henry, this is a temporary measure, however no timeline for when the order will be lifted was given.

And beginning Sept. 12, vaccination requirements will come into effect for public spaces such as restaurants, gyms and movie theaters to name just a few.

For a full list of public spaces that will now require face masks, and vaccines by Sept. 12, check out the BC government release.