VICTORIA — Starting today, the only acceptable proof of vaccination in British Columbia to dine at restaurants and attend indoor recreational events is a vaccine card.
The government says the transition period allowing people to present their vaccine records from their immunization appointments expired Sunday.
The change comes as the Health Ministry reports 18 more people have died from the illness over a three-day period, while another 2,239 cases have been diagnosed for a total of nearly 6,100 active infections across the province.
There were 303 people in hospital on Monday, including 141 in intensive care.
The vaccine card, under orders from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, is required at most restaurants and indoor events to help ensure businesses can stay open and people can feel safe in these settings.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says more than three million people in B.C. have already received their card.
People can get their card online from the government's website and keep a digital copy on their mobile device or print a hard copy to present at events or businesses.
Henry says the vaccine card helps people attend and support events and businesses with confidence, knowing other people around them are also vaccinated.
The Health Ministry reports that 80.5 per cent of eligible B.C. residents age 12 and up are fully vaccinated, while 87.7 per cent have received their first dose.
There are 19 active COVID-19 outbreaks in assisted living or long-term care facilities, one at the Fort St. John Hospital and one at Maple Ridge Christian School, it says.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2021.
The Canadian Press
