The B.C. Vaccine Card program has ended, with proof of vaccination no longer required to enter most indoor public settings. However businesses can still opt to use the program if they want. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

OVER AND OUT

B.C. Vaccine Card phases out of provincial pandemic response

Apr 8, 2022 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — For the first time since mid-September, a provincial vaccine passport is no longer a requirement for most indoor, public settings.

With case counts dwindling, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry officially lifted the public health order requiring proof of vaccination at midnight on Friday, April 8.

“It is no longer required under order, a legal order, but we do know many businesses are looking at their own clientele and their own people…and some will continue to require this,” Henry said during her briefing on Tuesday, April 5.

The passport was used at a majority of indoor, public settings and limited access to only those with a history of vaccination against COVID-19.

When implemented, Dr. Henry said it was a measure to keep businesses open amid third and eventually fourth waves of the pandemic in B.C.

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“We have put the vaccine card in place to keep businesses open, to keep people working and…to keep people safe,” Henry said in September 2021. “If you’ve not yet been vaccinated, that is your choice but these essential activities and services will remain open for you.”

Fines were an enforcement option for violators, however were rarely used.

Henry said during the briefing on Tuesday the system worked exactly as it was supposed to.

“[The B.C. Vaccine Card] was very effective at supporting people to get vaccinated but also during this highest risk period, being able to have these measures in these highest risk settings.”

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, 90 per cent of people in the Greater Nanaimo area and 88 per cent in Oceanside have received two doses of vaccine, the criteria for being “fully vaccinated” for the passport program.

Province-wide, around 56 per cent of people eligible received a third, booster dose in 2021.

A fourth round of shots was announced earlier this week for seniors and those deemed clinically extremely vulnerable.

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