Effective September 13, those born on or before 2009 must have at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and be fully vaccinated by October 24 in order to enter certain businesses and attend ticketed events in British Columbia.

By order of the Provincial Health Department of BC, a vaccine card is required to attend restaurants that offer table service, pubs, ticketed sporting events, concerts, the theatre, gyms, on-campus student housing, and indoor organized events of 50 or more people. Proof of vaccination is not required at grocery stores, banks, retail stores, public libraries, hotels, and worship services.

BC residents can get their Vaccine Card online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. These vaccine cards come with a unique QR code that can be read by a Smartphone app. International visitors to BC must show proof of vaccination, which was used to enter Canada, along with a passport for identification verification. If you are from another country planning to visit BC, be sure to carry your Vaccination Card and Passport for entrance to restaurants and events. Many of the U.S. vaccination providers now have or include Smartphone vaccination verification, with a QR code; check with your provider.

Businesses and event venues face the task of verifying the vaccine records of their customers. The task is made easier thanks to the new Smartphone app for reading Covid-19 vaccine cards, available at the Apple app store. The Smartphone app scans the QR code from a digital or printed copy of the vaccination card, confirming vaccine status. The iPhone version is available for download, and the Google Play version for Android phones is coming soon. BC businesses can go to https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/bc-vaccine-card-verifier/id1583114791 to view the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by Leonard and Lorena Landon of Waggoner Cruising Guide, published on WaggonerGuide.com, and is reposted here with Waggoner’s permission.