The B.C. government announced on Monday, August 23 that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for a range of non-essential activities which include going to movie theatres, concerts, and restaurants.

As provincial health officials reported 1,711 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. over three days on Monday, along with new mandated restrictions, the province is also planning on requiring citizens to show proof of vaccination which will be implemented on Sept. 13.

British Columbians will initially be required to have their first dose by Sept. 13. Starting Oct. 24, both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required. Proof of vaccination will also be required for those visiting from outside the province.

Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported that unvaccinated people account for approximately 90 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the province, and 93 per cent of hospitalizations.

“This is a temporary measure that’s getting us through a risky period where we know that people who are unvaccinated are at a greater risk of both contracting and spreading this virus,” Henry said. She added that unvaccinated people are also 10 times more likely to get infected with the virus.

“If there are the rare people who have a medical reason why they can’t be immunized, these are discretionary events that we are talking about so they will not be able to attend those events through this period of time of high risk.”

The requirement applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and covers:

  • Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
  • Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
  • Nightclubs and casinos
  • Movie theatres
  • Gyms, pools and recreation facilities
  • Does not include youth recreational sport
  • Indoor high intensity group exercise
  • Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
  • Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art

The cards will not be required for grocery stores and retail stores. They are also not needed to enter religious places of worship.

These new measures are set to be in place until at least Jan. 31, 2022.