Proof of full vaccination now required to access many non-essential businesses, events in B.C.
Anyone wanting to dine in a restaurant, see a movie or visit many other non-essential businesses in B.C. must now show proof they're fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
On Sunday, B.C.'s vaccine-card program moved to its second phase, requiring two shots against COVID-19, instead of just one. In other words, partial vaccination is no longer accepted to access discretionary businesses and attend events.
As before, employees working at those establishments don't need to show proof they've been vaccinated, unless their employer requires them to.
B.C.'s card system will be in place until at least Jan. 31, and health officials have already warned it may be extended, depending on the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
Proof that a person has had one or both doses of COVID-19 vaccine is not required at businesses deemed essential, such as on transit or at grocery stores. A card also doesn't need to be shown when stopping at a restaurant just to pick up a takeout order.
With the enhanced requirements, B.C. is lifting some restrictions. As of Monday, capacity limits for venues hosting sporting events, indoor concerts, plays, movie screenings, weddings and funerals have now lifted, as long as no regional health orders are in place. That means capacity limits remain in Fraser East and parts of Northern and Interior Health regions.
Requirements that restaurant patrons remain seated at their table have also lifted. However, mask rules are still in place.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Kendra Mangione
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.