British Columbia's top doctor says a digital or paper proof-of-vaccination card that's available online could nudge more people aged 12 and up to get vaccinated in order to go out to restaurants or attend gyms and ticketed events starting next week.
Proof of vaccine will NOT be needed in British Columbia at coffee shops, fast food restaurants, cafeterias or food courts for take out or dine in.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says residents will need to provide their personal health numbers, dates of birth and vaccination dates for their first and second doses to securely download their vaccine cards.
Effective September 13, people aged 12+ will need to show proof of vaccination to get into certain events and businesses in BC. People can show proof of vaccination with one of the types of official immunization records below. Get your BC Vaccine Card: https://t.co/8FB2ZFGVCs pic.twitter.com/Pldfemagz2
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 7, 2021
Join Premier John Horgan, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, for an update on B.C's vaccine card. https://t.co/LOvqhx261P
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 7, 2021
Residents will need to prove their vaccination status at businesses starting Sept. 13 for a first dose and on Oct. 24 for two doses.
Once verified, a digital copy can be saved on a cellphone or a copy can be printed so either could be presented along with government-issued photo identification when entering businesses or organized events.
People without access to a computer and printer can phone a Get Vaccinated call centre and have their printed copy mailed to them or visit a Service BC Centre.
Henry says the card will include a secure, individualized QR code and image showing whether someone is partially or fully vaccinated or indicating that no record is found in the province's COVID-19 immunization registry.
Businesses can either scan the QR code or visually verify someone's proof of vaccination. A mobile app is expected to be released in app stores before next week.
Henry said the province needs to move ahead socially and economically.
"As we're looking to the fall and the respiratory season that's going to be upon us again, we need to have as much open as possible," she told a news conference Tuesday.
British Columbia is looking to get rid of capacity limits by October 24 (once full vaccination is required for events) if vaccination rates go up, cases down and card roll out goes well.
When it comes to enforcement of BC vaccine card, individuals who don't comply could get $230-$575 ticket. Business owners, operators, event organizers could get a violation ticket as high as $2,300.
For out of province, someone will need to show gov ID and proof of vaccination from their province. Businesses will be given details on what vaccine cards look like in each province.
Until Sept. 26, people will still be able to use the paper record provided at a clinic or pharmacy after their first or second dose of a vaccine.
