B.C. youth sport coaches, supervisors now required to be double vaccinated
Posted October 29, 2021 10:34 am.
Last Updated October 29, 2021 6:45 pm.
B.C. has issued updated rules for adults supervising or coaching youth sports, saying they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says the mandate is a reflection of the need to require vaccination in such settings, which are less structured than workplaces.
“If you are supervising kids sports you should be vaccinated. For most people in British Columbia, the vast majority over 90 per cent of adults, they have met that criteria now. So, it’s my expectation that they will do so, that people will take seriously an order from our provincial health officer during a public health emergency,” Dix said Thursday.
Health Minister @adriandix asked how recent change to require fully vaccination of adults working with/supervising youth sports. Says these places less structured than some work environments so important.
About ensuring safety of activity.#bcpoli #covid19 #bced @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/LFwfMQRGVN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 28, 2021
The order, which was quietly posted to the government’s website on Oct. 25.
It also applies to those supervising or leading art, drama, and dance for children.
“An adult who had not received two doses of vaccine must not lead, supervise or assist with a program for children or youth, whether the program takes place inside or outside,” the order reads.
“We will continue to work with sports groups to assist them… to ensure these orders are followed through on. This isn’t about enforcement or punishing anybody, this is about ensuring the safety of the activity. That’s why the provincial health officer is taking this decision and I think it’s absolutely the right decision in the circumstances,” Dix added.
He says this is the guidance the province has heard from parents and coaches.
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More details are expected as to how the province expects sports organizations will handle the mandate, including how proof of vaccination will be checked.
The order came as the province reported on Thursday 758 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths in B.C., pushing the death toll to 2,147.
The Health Ministry says nearly 5,000 COVID-19 infections are active in B.C, with 434 people in hospital, including 155 in intensive care.
With files from The Canadian Press
