Vaccination cards to be put to use in British Columbia for range of activities as of mid-September

 

If you want to Go, You'll have to Show ... Your proof of vaccination 

That's basically the path forward in British Columbia when it comes to attending a range of events and activities moving forward in our times of COVID.

The plan  to require that residents of the province to provide confirmation of their vaccination status was outlined today, with Premier Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Public Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry advising that as we move into September the need to have a vaccination card will be an important part of your movement around the province.

“Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19.And getting vaccinated is the best choice to protect yourself, the people you love and to ensure you can continue to participate in these public and private events and settings. Our B.C. vaccine card is an essential interim action until we transition to a federally compliant proof of vaccine.”   -- Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

With much of the focus today that of social events such as movies, sports events, dining out dropping in at a Gaming Centre or any other activity that takes place in an indoor setting.

British Columbians won't be required by the government to have proof of vaccination while shopping, seeking medical services or other essential services.  

Nor will the government mandate proof of vaccination for work settings, however individual employers in many areas appear ready to make such a requirement as part of their employment protocols.  

A secure weblink will be provided and publicized before Sept. 13, where people will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination. Individuals will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show it when entering or using designated businesses and events. Individuals who cannot access their proof of vaccination online will be provided with a secure alternative option.

The vaccine card program which for most will be a virtual card available through your mobile phone will go into effect as of September 13th, with more details to be outlined in the weeks to come leading up to implementation day.

The requirement will remain in place until January 31st of 2022, subject to extension if required.

Details on the program as announced today can be reviewed here.

Doctor Henry and Minister Dix noted that the Provincial measures are designed to eventually work with a Federal vaccination confirmation program still under development and to be introduced in the near future.

For now the Provincial measure being put in place as part of the provincial response to the current jump in the number of case counts being recorded, the details on today's review from the Ministry of Health is available here.

Tomorrow morning at 9:30 , the Ministries of Health and Education will offer up guidance as to how they plan to address back to school in the province following the Labour Day weekend.

In attendance for the session to be streamed live,  will be Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education; Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer; for an update on health and safety measures for K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions in BC for the 2021-22 school year.

More notes on provincial themes can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.