B.C. to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for activities such as restaurant dining, sporting events beginning Sept. 13

VICTORIA — Beginning Sept. 13, B.C. will bar unvaccinated citizens from taking part in certain non-essential activities, such as dining at restaurants or attending ticketed sporting events.

In a news conference Monday (Aug. 23), Premier John Horgan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix unveiled a vaccine passport program.

Vaccinated individuals will be able to obtain a proof of vaccination – either a physical card or a downloadable proof – from the province before Sept. 13.

At the beginning of the program, citizens will only need proof of a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and will need proof of a second dose by Oct. 24.

The B.C. vaccine card will apply to the following settings:

• indoor ticketed sporting events
• indoor concerts
• indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
• restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
• night clubs
• casinos
• movie theatres
• fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
• businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
• organized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)
• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities

Henry noted the measure is temporary to get B.C. “through a risky period.” There will be no exemptions for those who are not vaccinated due to health or religious reasons, noting the settings and events included are “discretionary.” She noted there will be allowances for visitors from outside of the province who are vaccinated.

More to come.