B.C. to Launch Vaccine Card Available on Mobile to Enter Restaurants, Gyms and More

British Columbia announced on Monday it will soon require residents to show proof of vaccination when entering certain non-essential businesses, services and events.

“I am grateful to every single person who has taken the time to receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, in a statement on Monday afternoon.

She said at a media conference unvaccinated people have “more than 10 times higher risk” of getting infected with COVID-19, versus those that are fully vaccinated.

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), B.C. says by September 13, 2021, those seeking to enter the following places must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (those 12 and over or born in 2009 or earlier:

• 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

By October 24, 2021, you will need to be fully vaccinated (2 doses) to enter the venues above.

“While our vaccination rate continues to rise, we are still seeing waves of transmission primarily amongst those who are not fully vaccinated. These new measures will help reduce transmission and keep our communities safe and ensure we can continue to keep businesses open and safely enjoy much-needed social events,” added Henry.

Vaccine Card Website Coming to Allow Saving to Smartphone

B.C. says it will launch a ‘vaccine card’ website starting September 13, 2021. A resident needs to enter their name, birth date and Personal Health Number (PHN) to access their B.C. vaccine card, which can then be saved to their smartphone.

A paper option will also be available on the same day. A call-in centre option will also be available for those without a smartphone.

When visiting one of the listed places above, individuals will need to show their vaccine card, plus a valid government ID. The order applies to people visiting from outside of B.C. as well.

B.C. now joins Quebec and Manitoba in ordering similar vaccine passport systems for residents to access non-essential services. Quebec’s vaccine passport app launches in September.