BC Introduces Requirements for Proof of Vaccination

British Columbia Premier John Horgan has announced that the province will require that customers entering certain premises will be required to show proof that they are vaccinated.  Effective September 13, 2021, you will be required to be 7 days past your first vaccination dose; and, effective October 24, 2021, you will be required to be 7 days after full (second) vaccination dose. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement.

These establishments include: large and small event spaces such as arenas, stadiums, performance venues and movie theatres; conferences; nightclubs; casinos; restaurants; fitness classes and gyms.  The provisions do not apply to take-out, delivery, pick-up and drive-through food sales.  They apply to seated dining only, both indoor and outdoor.  In B.C., acceptable forms of proof of vaccination are a printed piece of identification British Columbians can download, or a QR code downloaded to a smartphone. Regional Medical Officers of Health (for example in Interior Health) will have the discretion to implement the requirements at an earlier date.

While RCC is broadly supportive of a national vaccine passport system used for travel and tourism, RCC’s view is that employees do not have the necessary public health expertise to determine whether documents presented are acceptable for admission.  Further, RCC is concerned about the potential for negative safety impacts for employees responsible for admission requirements.

The proof of vaccination requirements are in place until at least January 31, 2022, and are subject to possible extension.  The province also announced that the move to Step 4 is delayed and will not happen on September 7, 2021.