B.C. residents can now access the federal government’s proof-of-vaccination record allowing for travel within Canada and internationally.
The B.C. government says residents can access the federal COVID-19 proof-of-vaccination card in the same way 3.7 million people downloaded their card for non-essential activities within B.C. (healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard).
However, the province says the federal government has indicated it will allow British Columbians to use the B.C. Vaccine Card to travel within the country until Nov. 30, while national proof of vaccination is implemented.
The federal government has said its card can also be used for international travel, but those leaving Canada would need to check the requirements of the country they’ll be visiting.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says the federal vaccine card can be accessed through Health Gateway, the ministry’s web service, by phone (1-833-838-2323) or at most Service B.C. offices.
Travellers need two doses of a vaccine, with the second one administered at least 14 days before departure.
The B.C. government also says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has extended a mask mandate for everyone aged five and up in indoor public spaces in order to continue slowing the transmission of COVID-19.
“This important layer of protection will help make all of us safer, along with practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if sick and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated,” Henry said in a statement.
The mask mandate was due to expire on Sunday.
