Citizens attending social and recreational venues and activities in British Columbia, Canada, will need to show a vaccine passport starting September 13, 2021.
In a further blow to civil liberties in the region, no exemptions will be allowed. Citizens will not be exempt from the vaccine passport program, even for medical or religious reasons.
As of September 13, a passport showing at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for entrance to many businesses. In addition, by October 24, all persons must show passports revealing that both doses of the vaccine have been taken.
All citizens under the age of 12 will need to present proof of age to watch indoor sporting events, eat indoors or on patios at restaurants, exercise in fitness centers, and attend indoor events such as weddings and conferences without a passport.
The following locations will require vaccinations:
- Sports events that take place indoors
- Concerts held indoors
- Performing arts events, including dance, ballet, and symphony
- Eating establishments (indoors and out)
- Nightclubs
- Gambling houses
- Theaters for movies
- Sport centers/gyms
- Business that offers high-intensity group exercise sessions indoors
The vaccination passport can be stored on a smartphone, which users can show at checkpoints at many businesses to be able to take part in activities.
Premier John Horgan stated, “Vaccines are our ticket to putting this pandemic behind us.”
“So I call on all eligible unvaccinated British Columbians to roll up their sleeves to stop the spread, and help protect themselves, their loved ones and the people in their community.”
The Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, had this to say: “Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19. And getting vaccinated is the best choice to protect yourself, the people you love and to ensure you can continue to participate in these public and private events and settings. Our B.C. vaccine card is an essential interim action until we transition to a federally compliant proof of vaccine.”
