The Government of B.C. has confirmed it will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from anyone who wants to participate in “non-discretionary” recreational and social activities.
As of September 13, 2021, new “B.C. vaccine cards” will be implemented across the province and essentially dictate where you’re permitted to enter. Eligible British Columbians will require proof of at least one dose of vaccine when the rule comes into effect. As of October 24, two doses will be required.
“Getting vaccinated is the way forward through this pandemic,” Premier John Horgan and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told reporters.
RELATED: Canada Is Moving Forward With Vaccine Passports For International Travel
B.C. Vaccine Cards
Here’s the full list of activities you’ll need a “vaccine card” for beginning September 13:
- indoor ticketed sporting events
- indoor concerts
- indoor theatre / dance / symphony events
- restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
- night clubs
- casinos
- movie theatres
- fitness centres / gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
- businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
- organized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)
- discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
- student housing on college and university campuses
Bonnie Henry stated the cards won’t be required to enter retail locations including grocery stores or places of worship.
The new vaccine cards will be accessible on smartphones, or other “secure options” to be announced soon. Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting British Columbia from out of province.
The new safety measures will be in place until at least January 31, 2022 with the possibility of an extension at the discretion of Bonnie Henry.
As soon as the news broke, British Columbians were quick to share their two cents online:
Dr. Bonnie Henry gives anti-vaxxers their deadlines for participating in society. pic.twitter.com/JYi2Xq68F1
— AmyMagneto 😷 💉 ❤️ (@amymagneto) August 23, 2021
Wow, so people who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons are shunned for no fault of their own too…. Nice, Bonnie Henry, you are so “kind” and “compassionate” .. what a load of BS
— Denise (@DeeLeww13) August 23, 2021
Yup, you’re right. Bonnie Henry said there would be no exceptions. Full stop. Law suits will be flying over this one, not to mention some pretty big, unruly protests, I’m guessing. https://t.co/q4R5bTI1fg
— terry l. (@dubsndoo) August 23, 2021
We knew it was coming, and yet an unmasked Bonnie Henry was chilling with thousands of people in BC Place just a few days ago.
The breathtaking lack of common sense on her part is mind-boggling.
— Lily Boscage (@LilyBoscage) August 23, 2021
I strongly believe this is in the right direction like Bonnie Henry said they don’t want to start shutting things down again this way I wather this way than going back to no dine in and closing businesses all together
— maryann serhan (@MaryannSerhan) August 23, 2021
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