B.C. COVID-19 vaccine card program details to be unveiled Tuesday

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C. is set to unveil the details of its COVID-19 vaccine passport Tuesday, just less than a week before the new system is supposed to be brought in.

Details include how exactly British Columbians will be able to get the proof of vaccination, as well as how it will be used. There have been plenty of questions and concerns raised since the plan was announced weeks ago, with worries over enforcement also being voiced.

The province has already said the system will be brought in in phases, with the first set to begin on Monday. As of Sept. 13, people wanting to access certain services, events, and businesses, like restaurants, will be required to show proof they have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By Oct. 24, people must be fully vaccinated to access those places.

The requirement applies to people born in 2009 or earlier — everyone who is 12 years and older. The government has provided a list of places the vaccine passport will be required, including:

• Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
• Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
• Nightclubs and casinos
• Movie theatres
• Gyms, pools and recreation facilities
• Does not include youth recreational sport
• Indoor high intensity group exercise
• Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art
• Does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs
• Post-secondary on-campus student housing. Note: Students must be partially vaccinated by Sept. 7

We also know that British Columbians will be able to save their vaccine card to their smartphones. The province says a secure paper option will be available for the launch date.

The proof of vaccination requirement doesn’t just apply to locals, but to everyone coming to B.C. too. That means Canadians visiting from out of province will have to show their province or territory’s officially recognized vaccine record as well as government ID from that province or territory. International visitors will have to show the proof of vaccination they used to enter the country, as well as their passport.

Premier John Horgan is expected to join Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix for the announcement Tuesday at 2 p.m.

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