B.C. tightens documentation requirements: BC Vaccine Card with QR code required to access restaurants as of Monday
As part of B.C.’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and various other recreational settings, and starting on Monday, the proof-of-vaccination requirements will be stricter.
People have been allowed to prove their vaccination status in three ways: by downloading or printing their official BC Vaccine Card, or by showing the small paper card given to patients at vaccine clinics, which includes the type and date of each COVID-19 vaccine dose they received.
But come Monday, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted, as the province tightens up its documentation requirements.
“The transition period, which allowed people to present their paper record of immunization received at the time of their vaccination appointment, will end on Sept. 26,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The BC Vaccine Card contains a QR code which can be scanned by businesses using the BC Vaccine Verifier app.
Rio Theatre owner Corinne Lea says the rollout of the proof of vaccination program has been relatively smooth at her business.
“We’re used to asking for ID and checking tickets and scanning tickets,” Lea said. “The first week, some people forgot that they had to do the process, but they were still vaccinated.”
She welcomes the switch to the official BC Vaccine Card, saying other proof of vaccination documents, like the immunization records card given out at vaccine clinics, could easily be fake.
“It’s kind of hard to know how authentic those are,” she said. “When you are sitting in a half-full theatre and you know everyone is vaccinated, I just feel better about it.”
People can get their official BC Vaccine Card online at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard. The Ministry of Health then recommends taking a screen shot once the card has loaded, and then saving that screenshot to their device's photo album or downloads folder. A person can also print out a hard copy.
The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code. The cards must be shown, along with a piece of photo ID, to access sit-down restaurants, fitness centres, movie theatres, cafes and other discretionary businesses.
Through Oct. 23, residents only need to be partially vaccinated. But starting on Oct. 24, they will need to have received two doses, according to the Ministry of Healthy’s vaccine card plan.
The vaccine card system came into effect on Sept. 13 and is in place until Jan. 31, 2022, but could be extended.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.