Recent COVID-19 Updates

August 25, 2021

BC Vaccine Card
BC is implementing wide-reaching rules requiring residents to provide proof of vaccination, through a new BC vaccine card, to access non-essential businesses and events. BC residents will need a vaccine card to get into most places as the risk of infection of COVID-19 is currently ten times higher among those who are unvaccinated. Beginning September 13, BC residents 12 years and older will need to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccine and by October 24, only fully vaccinated people will be permitted entry (fully vaccinated seven days after dose 2).

Events, businesses and services will ask to see your proof of vaccination and valid government ID. The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to extension. More detailed info about the new BC vaccine card currently available to residents may be viewed here.

How do I get the card?
BC residents will be able to get their proof of vaccination through a yet-to-be-launched BC Government website by entering their name, birthdate and personal health number. A copy of an individual’s proof of vaccination can then be saved to a smartphone to show, along with photo ID, when entering a business or event. A call-in option will be available for those unable to use the Internet. Out-of-province visitors will also be required to show proof of vaccination from their jurisdiction.

Where would I use the BC vaccine card?
BC’s provincial health officer has indicated the vaccine card will be required to enter:

• Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
• Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
• Nightclubs and casinos
• Movie theatres
• Gyms, pools and creational facilities (does not include youth recreational sport)
• Indoor high intensity group exercise
• Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art (does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs)
• Post-secondary on-campus student housing (students must be partially vaccinated by September 7).

Under the new policy, proof of vaccination will not be required to access places providing essential services, such as grocery stores, transit, pharmacies, and medical facilities.

Is anyone exempt from providing proof of vaccination?
When it comes to providing proof of vaccination, the only exemptions are for children under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated. Those who have not been vaccinated due to medical reasons, or any other reason, will not be exempt from the policy.

How can I get ready for September 13?
Register for Health Gateway, detailed information at this link.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/health-gateway

Mandatory masks - on August 24, BC’s public health officer announced that once again masks are mandatory in public, indoor spaces throughout the province to combat the fourth wave of COVID-19. This is a temporary order which will be reassessed as the vaccine card is reassessed.

Step 3 BC Restart Plan - the province also indicated that due to the delta variant, we will most likely remain at Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan. Information about Step 3 is provided here.

Vaccinations - the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Parksville Community Centre is open Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 7.30 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. This clinic will close on September 6 and the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre will continue as the Oceanside COVID-19 immunization site. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, or if it’s been more than 28 days since your first dose, you can drop in at any clinic in Island Health, no appointment necessary. Please refer to Island Health’s website for info or phone 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.

City Services - the City is aligned with Step 3 of the BC Restart plan. We are open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department is open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm.

Information for the public when visiting:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person. Meetings are also webstreamed, live and archived from the City’s website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to the City website and Let’s Talk Parksville for more information.