B.C. extends vaccine passport to end of June, youth tournaments allowed next week

Proof of vaccination will likely be required in B.C. at restaurants, bars, concerts, and indoor organized events until the end of June, though kids will be allowed to take part in sport tournaments starting next week.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says the vaccination card has been extended until June 30, however, it could be lifted earlier, should the COVID-19 situation change in B.C.

“The B.C. vaccine card program is specifically designed to address and mitigate those risks that allow us to keep certain businesses and activities open during the period of the pandemic,” she said Tuesday. “As we move through this period, it will, I expect, no longer be necessary.”

The vaccine passport is required for everyone aged 12 and up at cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars, nightclubs, casinos, movie theatres, gyms, and other businesses. Proof of vaccination is also required at weddings, funeral receptions, and organized parties.

However, it’s not required at grocery stores, coffee shops, fast-food establishments, on transit, at hair salons, libraries, places that offer essential services, and some other specific locations.

NEW: Vaccination card will remain in place until end of June. But Dr Henry says if the situation changes and it can be lifted sooner it will be. This pass is required for everyone 12 and older.#bcpoli #covid19 @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 25, 2022

Meanwhile, Henry says youth sports tournaments in B.C. can once again take place as of Feb. 1, though adult tournaments still won’t be allowed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked why kids will be allowed to participate in such tournaments but not adults, Henry said the decision was made after weighing out risks and benefits.

“Adult tournaments at this time of the year tend to be a very important social event. That is, of course, a riskier situation,” she said.

“We know that sports has a different place for youth, in terms of growth and development and future opportunities. We have always prioritized making sure that young people are able to access … these important aspects in their lives, particularly at that age.”

NEW: Youth sports tournaments can start again February 1 (next week).
Adult tournaments remain on hold.#bcpoli #covid19 @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 25, 2022

Tournaments are defined by the province as “single or multi-day events where three or more teams compete against each other outside of regular league play.”

On Tuesday, the province reported there are 985 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in B.C., little changed from 987 on Monday. However, there are 144 people in the ICU, up from 129 the day before.

One death was recorded Tuesday, in the Fraser Health region.

NEW: Latest BC COVID hospitalization numbers. People in ICU up 28.6% in a week to 144 patients.

There are 985 infected patients, a daily drop, but still up over 15.3% from a week ago. One COVID-19 death over the last 24 hour reporting period. #bcpoli #COVID19

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) January 26, 2022

Looking ahead, Henry says she expects we will have a “gentler summer.”

“Having said that, this virus is changing and it’s spreading very rapidly in many countries around the world. We don’t know what the next strain is going to be like — whether it willbe milder or more severe, whether it will be more or less transmissible or able to evade the vaccine or previous infection,” she said.

“But I do expect, from history, that we’ll see different patterns over time and that it should, as we have more and more immunity … protect us globally from having more severe strains emerge.”

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Among eligible British Columbians aged five and up, the province says 89.6 per cent have received at least one vaccine dose and 83.6 per cent have received their second. it also says 41.3 per cent of people aged 12 and up have received a third dose.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says about half of kids aged five to 11 in B.C. have received their first vaccine doses, adding nearly 30,000 invitations for second doses will be sent out this week.

Health Minister @adriandix: 175968 kids 5 – 11 have had first doses (there are 350000 eligible). 2000 invitations for 2nd dose out so far – 27500 going out this week.#bcpoli #covid19 @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 25, 2022

There are 63 B.C. health-care facilities with active outbreaks: