BC Vaccine Card: Preparing for the Proof of Vaccination Requirement, Beginning September 13
Starting Monday, September 13, 2021, British Columbians - and visitors to B.C. - will need proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses.
The Province of B.C. announced details on how businesses can check for proof of vaccination with the new BC Vaccine Card, a digital or printed document that shows the stage of the cardholder's COVID-19 vaccine progress. This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place.
Once verified, a person will be able to save a digital copy to their mobile device or print a hard copy to present along with their government-issued photo identification when entering designated businesses and events.
People can get their BC Vaccine Card online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. People without access to a computer and printer can get their card by calling 1 833 838-2323 at the Get Vaccinated call centre and get their printed copy mailed to them or visit a Service BC Centre.
The BC Vaccine Card will include a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can either scan the QR code using a QR reader like a smartphone or tablet or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. A BC Vaccine Card Verifier App will be released in the Google and Apple app stores closer to September 13 for businesses that choose to scan the QR code.
This new requirement is being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. Individuals will show proof of vaccination alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.
Business Resources & Guidance
Information for businesses, including step-by-step instructions can be found at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card guide for businesses. Businesses and event operators will be provided with a suite of communications tools, including posters, a question-and-answer document, and a list of approved proofs of vaccination from other jurisdictions to guide them on how to check a vaccine card.
Destination BC has provided a Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry: Proof of Vaccination Card on the Messaging & Toolkit page.
Quick Links:
To learn more about the vaccine card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html
Additional Details
Timeline
The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. As of Sept. 13, 2021, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. From Sept. 13-26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. Starting Sept. 27, 2021, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in B.C.
By Oct. 24, 2021, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The requirement will be time limited through to Jan. 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.
In areas where community transmission is increased significantly or where there are outbreaks, the requirements to be fully vaccinated to access these events and activities may be required earlier at the direction of a local medical health officer.
Settings where proof of vaccination will be required:
indoor ticketed sporting events
indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events
licensed restaurants, and those offering table service (indoor and outdoor dining)
pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor dining)
night clubs, casinos, movie theatres
fitness centres/gyms/adult sports (indoor)
indoor group exercise activities
organized indoor events with 50 or more people (e.g., wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences, workshops)
discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
Accommodation: Accommodations have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. The BC Hotel Association has provided guidance for accommodators on setting a Proof of Vaccination policy.
Winery tastings/samplings: Wine Growers of BC confirmed with Provincial Health that if guests are seated and separate from the retail shop, proof of vaccination is required. However, if not seated and within the retail shop, proof of vaccination is not required.
Employees: Businesses should not request to see an employee’s proof of vaccination as part of the BC Vaccine Card program unless the employee is attending as a customer. Businesses or institutions may choose to adopt their own vaccination policies for their employees but are responsible for doing their own due diligence.
Proof of Vaccination for Visitors to B.C.
Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID.
For individuals visiting from outside of Canada, they will be required to show the record of vaccination they use to enter Canada and their passport.
Enforcement
Tickets can be issued to individuals, owners/operators of locations and event organizers for violations of the PHO orders.
Depending on the violation, individuals could be subject to a $230 or $575 violation ticket. Owners, operators, and event organizers could be subject to a $2300 violation ticket.
Enforcement is at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators, and conservation officers.
Business Support & Advocacy
Need help making sense of how the new BC Vaccine Card impacts your business? The Tourism Resiliency Program is here to support you, at no cost. Thompson Okanagan tourism companies can connect with TOTA in the following ways:
- Schedule a 1:1 Business Support Meeting with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor to receive personalized support.
- Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.
- Email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.
