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SOUND OFF: B.C. Vaccine Card keeps Kamloops businesses open for business

Sep 15, 2021 | 11:16 AM

OVER THE LAST YEAR-AND-A-HALF of the global pandemic, one thing has become abundantly clear – the COVID-19 virus lives to spread and spreads to live.

That’s why our government has created the B.C. Vaccine Card so that people can continue to do the things they enjoy safely, keep businesses open and slow down the transmission of COVID-19.

As of Sept. 13, new proof of vaccine requirements apply to certain businesses and events throughout the province, like ticketed sporting events, indoor concerts and indoor and outdoor licensed restaurants.

Thanks to our ongoing immunization campaign, our province has a strong level of protection against COVID-19 with over 79 per cent of eligible people fully vaccinated. The B.C. Vaccine Card offers one more important layer of protection to protect our communities and keep people safe.

The card is simple to use and can be accessed online at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard. All you need is your personal health number, date of birth and date of vaccination. People can either keep a digital copy on their mobile device or print a hard copy to present when entering designated businesses and events.

The B.C. Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are now required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and both doses by Oct. 24.

We understand that there will need to be a transition period for some, so from Sept. 13 to Sept. 26 people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. Starting Sept. 27 only the B.C. Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in B.C.

Businesses are now able to download the B.C. Vaccine Card Verifier App from Google and Apple app stores and use the app to verify customers B.C. Vaccine Card, or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. Government-issued photo is required.

We’ve also created a dedicated phone line through the Provincial Call Centre for businesses to call with their questions on the BC Vaccine Card. They can call 1 (833) 838-2323, select option 1 then option 3.

Going forward, our public health team will continue to monitor the outcomes of the program with the hope that additional capacity limits on businesses can be removed thanks to the protection offered through the B.C. Vaccine Card.

British Columbians have already demonstrated how determined they are to end this pandemic and, with the B.C. Vaccine Card, we are able to move one step closer to putting the pandemic in our rear-view mirror.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

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