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Dear Elkford and Area Businesses,
As announced today on Tuesday September 7th 2021 by our provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, the COVID-19 Provincial Vaccine Passport will be in place starting September 13 2021. This mandate is only for those aged 12 years and older.
Below is information laid out for the Vaccine Passport program and timelines from today's announcement.
SEPTEMBER 13th- OCTOBER 24th 2021:
- Proof of one COVID-19 vaccine dose will be required to access "discretionary" social and recreational events (list of Vaccine Card Required below).
- Phased in system to allow people time to transition to the card/QR code scan.
- Valid proof of vaccination identification includes BC vaccine clinic cards, pharmacy vaccine cards.
SEPTEMBER 27th 2021 FORWARD:
- Only the government approved BC Vaccine Cards will be accepted. No other identification cards will be accepted ie-BC Clinic, Pharmacies, private Doctor offices.
OCTOBER 24th 2021 FORWARD:
- Both COVID-19 vaccine doses with one week removed from the two shots or full immunization will be required.
BUSINESSES & VACCINE PASSPORT:
- Businesses can use either the QR scan code using a QR reader (such as tablet or smartphone) or visual verification with the person's proof of vaccination.
- BC Vaccine Card mobile QR card reader app to be released in app stores closer to September 13th.
- Federal Vaccine Passport information to be released before the new year.
VACCINE CARD REQUIRED:
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts
- Indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
- Restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
- Pubs, bars and lounges (Indoor and Outdoor dining)
- Nightclubs
- Casinos
- Movie Theatres
- Fitness Centres/Gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
- Businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
- Organized indoor events (Weddings, Parties, Conferences, Meetings, Workshops)
- Discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
VACCINE CARD NOT REQUIRED:
- Religious gatherings
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Essential Services
- Cafeterias, Drive Thru Services
OUT OF PROVINCE:
- Canadians from other provinces are to their provincial or territorial officially recognized vaccine record and a valid government photo ID.
- Updates to businesses on out of province vaccination approved vaccine records will be shared soon.
OUT OF COUNTRY:
- International visitors must show the proof of vaccination to enter into Canada and will have to provide their passport for identification.
The Elkford Chamber of Commerce is working alongside other BC Chambers and with the BC Chamber of Commerce to put forth the concerns of costs (additional staff, QR code scanners, marketing, signage etc) associated for businesses for implementing the passports and what compensation will be available to businesses and when.
Providing a clearer solution for enforcement support, will we have enough support through bylaw officers/RCMP, will there be additional funding for using private security.
Have a better laid out plan with guidance on how the vaccination status of visitors from outside BC, including internationally, will be addressed including those provinces that are not currently enforcing the Vaccination Passport for their Province or Country. As well how to handle the public that are unable to be vaccinated due to their personal health.
We will continue to work hard at providing information, updates and address concerns from businesses in Elkford and area. Please watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and as always please feel free to reach out to us at the Elkford Chamber of Commerce via email, phone or messenger.
We are here to help.
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