Downloaded vaccine card required Monday for entry to some businesses

Photo: Contributed

Beginning Monday, those looking to enter a number of B.C. businesses and events will have to first download their vaccine card from the B.C. government.

The proof-of-vaccine program came into effect in B.C. on Sept. 13, requiring people to show proof they had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter restaurants, indoor concerts, gyms, indoor sporting events and a handful of other settings deemed “non-essential.”

While the province allowed people a two-week transition period where the use of their paper vaccine record was adequate, beginning Monday, that will no longer be permitted.

The digital vaccine card, in a QR code format, can be downloaded to a mobile device here, or people can print out a hard copy of it.

"More than 3.1 million British Columbians have already received their BC Vaccine Card, allowing them to attend events and indoor recreational settings more safely," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

"The smartest, safest, and soundest decision right now for everyone eligible is to get vaccinated. We encourage all British Columbians to get their shot and download their BC Vaccine Card today."

In a press release, the province says businesses can scan people's vaccine card QR code using the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App from the Google Play and Apple App stores, or they can “visually verify the person's proof of vaccination.”

Beginning Oct. 24, people will be required to have both doses of the vaccine to enter these businesses.