VICTORIA – The first day of the British Columbia program that required residents to have vaccination cards in order to enter non-essential businesses was met with tension on the streets and anxiety from businesses necessary to enforce the rules.
The release of the so-called BC vaccination passport on Monday, the same day that groups of protesters across the country attacked hospitals over pandemic restrictions and vaccination mandates, could serve as an example of what is to come in Ontario, where a proof of vaccination program goes into effect next week.
On busy Government Street in downtown Victoria, the restaurant business seemed to be booming – sunny courtyards packed with tourists and locals alike. Only small things indicated a change, such as signs telling people to have their vaccination card and ID ready and, in some cases, security guards posted in what is normally the host’s booth.
Those who worked in the restaurants said they had heard rumors that people who opposed the vaccine card program were sending fake takeout orders over the phone in an attempt to punish restaurants that were complying with the health order. public.
Brendan Wirges, who worked as a waiter at The Churchill downtown, said his boss decided takeout orders would not be accepted that day. Other than that, Wirges said, he had only dealt with one incident: a couple who came to say they would sue every restaurant on the block for refusing to place them without a vaccination card.
“I told them they should go ahead and do that,” Wirges said. “I’m only worried about the hosts. They are going to deal with a lot of these people. “
Travis Clark was taking his lunch break from a construction job when he heard screams and looked around.
Two men were chasing and holding each other in the street, trying to hit each other, in the middle of a four-way intersection.
One man carried a sign that compared vaccination cards to Nazism. The sign said “No (Swastika) Pass”.
Clark was watching when the fight started.
“(The only man) tried to go after the guy’s swastika sign and then; (the other man) started hitting him. And they both started chasing each other. “
After the police arrived, the men continued to yell at each other, but eventually calmed down. Neither of them would give the Star their name. The man with the swastika sign went to lean against a construction fence to smoke, and said he would not speak to any media because he believed the media were part of “the clique.” That term is often used by conspiracy theorists like QAnoners, who argue that the world is being secretly controlled by a malevolent power.
Meanwhile, Vancouver police said they were monitoring the protests and had “no major problems” as of Monday afternoon.
Anita Huberman, executive director of the Surrey Board of Trade, said her members’ response to the vaccine card system had been overwhelmingly positive, although a handful of companies had said they would not comply.
He said some claim they do not have the resources or the capacity to implement the system, which is seen as one more rule imposed by the provincial government after 18 difficult months.
“It’s a new process and, yes, it is an additional layer that a company needs to participate in, but necessary for companies not to go out of business,” Huberman said.
She said the operator of a live music venue in White Rock recently told her that 20 percent of people who had booked tickets to an upcoming show had canceled because they didn’t want to show their vaccination status.
A provincial business vaccination card guide shows that fines can range from $ 230 to $ 575 for individuals, depending on the violation, while event organizers, owners and operators could be fined $ 2,300 for non-compliance. with the system.
Health officials addressed reports of restaurants and other businesses dealing with angry customers or protesting because of the vaccination card.
“These are the rules we enforce,” provincial health official Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday. “It really stuns and saddens me to find that people find it an acceptable way to express their frustrations.”
Some who went indoors said they were happy to have the vaccine requirements as an additional level of protection.
Kailen Fennerty, a freshman at the University of Victoria, said it felt a bit strange going to conference rooms with 200 or more people.
“I just hope my Pfizer vaccine is working,” he said.
College students in British Columbia are not required to be vaccinated to be on campus, but must agree to get tested for COVID-19 regularly if they are not vaccinated.
Where is the vaccination card required?
As of September 13, people in British Columbia need at least one dose of the vaccine to participate in indoor sporting events, indoor concerts, indoor dinners, nightclubs, high-intensity gyms, organized gatherings such as weddings and classes. and recreational activities.
Personnel in restricted places will not be universally required to use the vaccination certificate, but employers may choose to require that personnel be vaccinated.
The card will not be used to access retail stores, religious services, health services, or grocery stores.
British Columbia residents should have two doses of vaccine by October 24.
What does the card look like?
The vaccine card has three components: a person’s name, their vaccination status, and a QR code that restaurants and other businesses can scan using a phone or tablet.
British Columbians can download the card to their phone or download it to their computer and print it. Paper immunization records are also accepted through September 26.
What do card verifiers see when they scan the QR code?
People who use the QR code to verify the vaccination card will see one of three terms: vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or not vaccinated.
What happens if someone visits BC from outside the province?
People from outside British Columbia can use any proof of vaccination they have from their own jurisdiction to enter the restricted places.
When does the Ontario system go into effect?
Starting September 22, Ontario residents will need a certificate showing they are fully vaccinated to go to a gym, a movie, a nightclub or dinner inside a restaurant.
With files from The Canadian Press
Reference-www.thestar.com