Friday marks the end of B.C.’s vaccine card program – at least for now – but that doesn't mean patrons should put away their QR codes for good.
While presenting proof of vaccination and a photographic ID will no longer be mandatory to get into cinemas, sports games, concerts and restaurants, business owners can still ask for proof of vaccination if they wish.
“We do know that many businesses are looking at their own clientele … and some will continue to require this,” Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, said Tuesday.
For example, organizers at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival say they will be requiring proof of vaccination for the outdoor event slated for this July. But artistic director Debbie Salmonsen told BIV her team will be monitoring health risks posed by COVID-19 and will consider again if proof of vaccination is necessary.
“I've talked with some business owners who own restaurants, for example, community restaurants, where they feel that they're going to keep that requirement for a period of time,” Henry said.
“We know as well that some smaller shops that can get more crowded, they also want to keep requirements for mask-wearing or for people to have be vaccinated, and we've seen that in theatres, and museums and places where it actually wasn't required.”
B.C. lifted its mask mandate for most public spaces last month.
Henry said it will be up to business to do their own due diligence and ensure they have the ability to accommodate those who are not vaccinated, such as offering take-away orders for food.
The lifting of the program comes one week after Canada lifted requirements for travellers entering the country to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
B.C.’s vaccine card program was introduced in September 2021 as COVID-19 cases were heading upward amid the Delta variant wave.
Provincial authorities slated a Jan. 31, 2022, end date at that time with the possibility of extending it past the end of that month.
The recent Omicron wave sent cases surging to all-time records and the province extended the program to June 30 before announcing last month it was axing the vaccine card program effective April 8.
But Henry said at the time it could be reinstated once more depending on COVID-19 activity.
