B.C. COVID passport extended to summer

British Columbians will continue to have to show proof of vaccination to get certain services, into the early summer.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told a news conference Tuesday, the B.C. vaccine card program will be extended until June 30, 2022.

“We need to continue the number of measures that we have in place in the community, and those have been working to mitigate the risk. We will be extending the B.C. vaccine card program to June 30, and it will continue to qualify for people over the age of 12,” Henry said.

The vaccine card has to be shown to get into indoor organized events, sporting activities and restaurants.

B.C.’s top doctor said there is a chance the card will no longer be needed before the end of June, if the situation with COVID-19 changes.

“If we are in a better place before June 30th, we will look to make adjustments earlier,” she said.

Henry explained while B.C. is seeing a gradual decline in case rates, there is still reason for the health and safety measures.

“The number of people in hospitals remains high and it’s the highest it’s been in our pandemic and it’s putting significant strain on our health care system.”

B.C. reported 989 hospitalizations Monday. On Tuesday there were 985 people in hospital with 144 of those in critical care.