Aug. 25, 2021 – People attending certain social and recreational settings and events in BC will need to show proof of vaccination starting Sept. 13. The new order from the provincial health officer came this week along with renewed mask requirements for indoor public spaces and schools.
People 12 and older will need to provide proof of vaccination to enter certain non-essential spaces, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, like conferences and weddings.
As of Sept. 13, one dose of vaccine will be required to enter these settings. By Oct. 24, people will have to be fully vaccinated (at least seven days after receiving their second dose).
Provincial proof of vaccination announcement
Masks Back
The provincial health officer also announced that as of today - Wednesday, Aug. 25 - masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout BC to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as BC prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.
These settings include:
- malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores
- liquor and drug stores
- airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
- restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
- on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
- areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
- common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
- common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
- inside schools for students in grades 4-12 and all K-12 staff and visitors
The province is making these changes to its pandemic plans as the fourth wave of COVID-19 moves throughout the province, mainly
infecting unvaccinated people.
Provincial mask mandate announcement
Proof of Vaccination – How it Works
Individuals will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination through a secure website. A web link will be provided and publicized widely before Sept. 13. To access proof of vaccination an individual will need:
- name
- date of birth
- personal health number (PHN)
People will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering or using designated businesses and events.
A second, secure option will be provided through a call-in centre for people who cannot access their proof of vaccination online (call centre details to be made public soon).
Check your vaccine record
To view and confirm your immunization records, register for Health Gateway.
If your record is wrong
If you believe your immunization record is wrong, you'll need to get it updated. Call: 1-833-838-2323 seven days a week, 7 am to 7 pm
Out-of-province vaccination
If you received one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in another province or country, you must:
