B.C. Announces Proof of Vaccination Requirement Program
On Monday, August 23, the Province of B.C. announced a new order to require proof of vaccination to access a broad range of social, recreational, and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province, starting September 13. This will provide confidence to fully vaccinated people that those around them are also fully vaccinated.
Individuals aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry to the following:
indoor ticketed sporting events;
indoor concerts;
indoor theatre, dance and symphony events;
restaurants (indoor and patio dining - hotel restaurants included);
night clubs;
casinos;
movie theatres;
fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport);
businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities;
organized indoor events (such as weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops); and
discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities.
Requirements will not apply to places that include grocery stores, pharmacies and stores, places of worship, or offices.
As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. By October 24, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated (at least seven days after receiving both doses).
Local health authorities experiencing a surge in cases may choose to implement some of these restrictions earlier.
Quick Links:
Other News: As of August 25, masks are mandatory in indoor spaces in all of B.C. This temporary order will be reassessed as the B.C. vaccine card requirement is fully implemented
Showing Proof of Vaccination
Over the coming weeks, and prior to the Labour Day long weekend, the province will release further details on a confidential proof of vaccination system.
Individuals will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination through a secure website, which will be shared widely before September 13.
Individuals can save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering or using designated businesses and events. A second, secure option will be provided for people who cannot access their proof of vaccination online through a call-in centre (call centre details to be made public in coming days).
Individuals will show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the PHO order, alongside valid government ID.
Businesses will be required to look for a vaccine card, similar to checking ID at a bar or liquor store. Businesses will not be collecting or storing information.
Individual businesses and event organizers may implement restrictions earlier and may choose to adopt their own proof of vaccination policies. Immunization as a condition of employment will be left to operators and be done in the context of your own business.
Children under 12 will not be required to show proof of vaccination as they are currently eligible to be immunized.
Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons will not be exempt. Dr. Bonnie Henry stressed that these cases are very rare and that individuals impacted should not be attending these types of social events and interactions.
Out of Province Travellers will also be required to show proof of vaccination. The government will be releasing further details on what this system will look like. For international visitors, the provincial government is working with the federal government to show proof of vaccination via the ArriveCAN app, currently required for entry into Canada.
Enforcement
During the conference, the province acknowledged that this will be a difficult period for businesses as the role of enforcement once again falls on the shoulders of operators. As it is a Public Health Order, the government does have the ability to support businesses with bylaw officers and environmental health officers.
How to Get Vaccinated
82.3% of eligible British Columbians have received at least one vaccine and the surge in cases has been driven by unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals are ten times more likely to get infected and have a serious illness.
Individuals can support tourism & hospitality industry recovery by getting vaccinated.
Please see below for information on where to get vaccinated in the Thompson Okanagan:
People who live in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and on Westbank First Nations lands (Central Okanagan Local Health Area) can get their second dose 28 days after dose 1, opposed to 48 days.
Business Support & Advocacy
TOTA continues to work towards recovery with industry partners and government officials. We will share updates and information resources through email updates and the TOTA News Centre as they become available.
We want to hear from you so we can share challenges with government and advocate on your behalf. As part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism companies can connect with TOTA in the following ways:
- Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.
- Schedule a 1:1 Business Support Meeting with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor to receive personalized support.
- Email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any quick questions or concerns.
