Reminder | Details On BC Vaccine Card |
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On Tuesday, Premier John Horgan, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, announced further details surrounding the BC vaccination program. As of September 13th, all individuals 12 and up will be required to show proof of vaccination for entry into certain social settings. Full details on the program can be found here.
TIMELINE:
By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination is required to access some events, services and businesses. Key dates:
- September 13th
- Individuals must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to gain entry into identified events, services and businesses and be able to show government approved proof of vaccination.
- From September 13th - September 26th
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The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. From September 13-26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at BC vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. A full list is outlined here. Starting September 27, 2021, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in BC.
- October 24th
- Individuals must be fully vaccinated (having received your second dose at least 7 days prior) to gain entry into identified events, services and businesses.
- January 31st, 2022
- The requirement is in place until this time and could be extended.
COMPLETE LIST OF CONFIRMED SETTINGS, PLACES, EVENTS THAT REQUIRE PoV:
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events
- Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining)
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NOTE: Breakfast rooms, food courts, fast foot restaurants, cafeterias, drive-through and grab and go establishments are not included in this.
- Pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
- Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres
- Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools and recreation facilities
- Businesses offering indoor group exercise
- Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
- Indoor organized events with 50 or more people. For example: Wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops
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NOTE: Hotels may host and not check for PoV for any event, conference, wedding, workshop etc. under 50
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art and choir
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
THE PROCESS:
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Step 1: Getting the BC Vaccine Card. Individuals who have received their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in B.C. can access their BC Vaccine Card by visiting gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard
- To access their proof of vaccination, they will enter their:
- personal health number
- date of birth
- date of vaccination (either Dose 1 or Dose 2)
- Step 2: Save or Print.
- The BC Vaccine Card can be saved to a mobile device or printed and will include a secure individualized QR code.
- Individuals who can’t access the electronic BC Vaccine Card can ask a friend, family member or support person to print their BC Vaccine Card for them, visit a Service BC office, or call 1 833 838-2323 to receive a copy in the mail.
- Step 3: Showing and Checking the Card
- Businesses have two options for checking vaccination:
- OPTION ONE:
- Download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app, which will be available next week and can be downloaded from any google or app store on a smartphone device. The business can scan the guests QR code and verify vaccination status through the app. No information will be stored. When scanning the paper or digital QR code, green means vaccinated, blue means partially vaccinated, and no record found means unvaccinated. An ID check is also required at this time.
- OPTION TWO:
- Verify the proof of vaccination visually through digital or paper copy, looking to confirm it is the person by also checking government issued photo ID.
- Individuals must show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the PHO orders, alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.
- Out of Province Visitors:
- Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID.
- For individuals visiting from outside of Canada, they will be required to show the record of vaccination they use to enter Canada and their passport.
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Proof of Vaccination | Resources
for Businesses
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The provincial government has set up a new webpage with resources for businesses on the BC Vaccine Card.
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Quick Links:
In the coming days, a call line will be set up to assist businesses directly with their questions.
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Don't Miss Tomorrow's #HardestHit Webinar Regarding the Election | HAC |
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Canadians are heading to the polls on September 20. Don’t miss this lively discussion and analysis of the 2021 federal election, and the impact on Canada’s hardest hit businesses.
In these final days of the election campaign, we are at a pivotal moment to ensure that all candidates know that we need continued support in order to survive. Led by some of Canada’s top policy experts and the Co-Chairs of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, find out what you need to know to make an informed decision and the critical actions you can take to get our message across!
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Call For Nominations | InnFocus Magazine Winter Issue |
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NOMINATION OPPORTUNITIES:
- Industry Rising Star:
- Are you or someone you know a hospitality superstar? We want to hear from you!
- InnFocus Magazine is looking to profile a young industry colleague who possesses a positive outlook, tireless work ethic, and sincere passion for industry, among other characteristics. The chosen candidate will be featured in the Winter 2021 Leader of the Future column!
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Send a brief description of the candidate outlining why you think they should be our next Leader of the Future to Kelsey@bcha.com.
- Accessible Hotels:
- Does your team take added measures to ensure your property meets the needs of all guests? Is your hotel particularly accessible?
- We are looking to feature hotels that have taken steps to accommodate all guests, regardless of ability levels for our next issue.
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Send a brief description outlining accessibility measures and send to Kelsey@bcha.com.
Please send by Friday, September 17th! We look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to share your submissions!
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Questions re. International Travel? See PHAC's New Travel Toolkit |
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Public Health Agency’s latest bilingual digital engagement kit, which has been updated to reflect the border measures that came into effect on Sept. 7. The kit can be used to help understand or communicate the latest border and travel requirements for entering Canada during COVID-19.
What’s New
As of September 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, Canada is allowing entry of travellers from any country for discretionary reasons if they have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines, at least 14 days prior to entering Canada, and if they also meet specific entry requirements.
Important: All travellers arriving or returning to Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit their travel information. See travel.gc.ca/travel-covid for more details.
In addition, PHAC has developed a hub of useful resources called How businesses and employees can stay safe while operating during COVID-19 to help employers and employees protect themselves, their families and their community. This web page hosts the most current information and links to reliable resources that will help operators reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their workplace.
The resources on this web page include links to guidance by province or territory and by sector, information for operators and employees, and templates and signage that can be used in the workplace. There are also helpful tools for both employers and employees to assess risks of COVID-19 and strategies to reduce those risks to make individuals and workplaces safer.
ADDED RESOURCES:
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DBC | Research & Insights |
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Report Insight: 73% of BC Residents Intend to Travel to Nearby Communities in the Next Four Weeks
Destination BC’s latest BC Residents’ Public Perceptions report reveals that 73% of BC residents intend to travel to nearby communities for a day trip in the next four weeks – up +9 points from two weeks prior.
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Report Insight: Weekly Domestic Overnight Visitation has Increased 4.2%
Destination BC’s latest Research Roundup shows weekly domestic overnight visitation has increased 4.2% compared to 2019, and decreased -0.5% compared to 2020.
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Snapshot of BC Travel
Destination BC is now summarizing weekly travel in BC in a one-page snapshot. Key insights include visitation to BC, accommodation performance, air performance, and BC residents’ readiness to travel and welcome visitors to their community.
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Telus Named Presenting Sponsor for BCHA Live Industry Update Series | Sign up Now! |
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The BCHA is pleased to add Telus as the title sponsor of our four in-person information & networking sessions taking place early October. These sessions are geared to accommodators across Vancouver Island.
During these FREE sessions our hospitality colleagues and associates will have opportunity to hear directly from our team while voicing their own perspectives and priorities as we shift to recovery.
- These sessions will be tailored to each region and will include:
- Updates on advocacy efforts both provincially and federally
- Information on emerging issues and ways to mitigate risk
- Tools, resources, and benefits available to our members
- Recovery strategies for the tourism and hospitality sector
- A Q&A session
- Along with a networking portion with food and drinks provided
Please see below for further information on each event and register for the session of your choice!
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TOFINO
- Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
- Wickanninnish Conference Hall at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis | 1119 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
COURTENAY:
- Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
- Ballroom at Crown Isle Resort | 399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3
PARKSVILLE:
- Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 2pm – 5.30pm
- Grand Moriarty Conference Room at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre | 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3
NANAIMO:
- Thursday, October 7th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
- Opera & Harbour Rooms at Best Western Dorchester | 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4
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We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with our entire hotel community in-person and hope to see you there. Interested in learning more? Reach out to Mike@bcha.com and stay tuned for more information on when we will be in your area. |
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Sign Up TODAY! Register for the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair, Taking Place October 9th! |
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In face of the greatest workforce shortage in recent history, operators are searching for ways to find highly-skilled, highly-trained individuals to join their teams.
To develop a solution to this issue, the BC Hotel Association has partnered with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICC) to bring you the first iteration of the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair.
- The Process:
- Prior to meeting with potential employers, all candidates will be subject to a pre-screening process to ensure they are:
- Opera PMS certified
- Food Safe certified
- Able to perform tasks and duties related to the position
- Able to communicate in English fluently
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Location:
- The Fair will take place at Cornerstone College Tech Campus at 816 Granville Street
- Date:
- October 9th, 2021 | Time TBA
Are you interested in participating or learning more information? Click below to register.
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Ronald McDonald House Announces Home For Dinner Campaign | Plan Your Gathering & Donate Silent Auction Today |
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Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon (RMH BC) invites you to take part in the fourth annual Home for Dinner community fundraising initiative this fall, during an evening of entertainment! Each year, the program encourages individuals across B.C. and the Yukon to host safe in-person, outdoor, or virtual dinners, while raising money to support families travelling to Vancouver so their children can receive urgent medical care.
The program is simple:
- Hosts invite families, colleagues or friends to safely and responsibly gather for a meal.
- Instead of contributing food, wine or gifts, guests instead donate to RMH BC, whose state-of-the-art House – situated on the grounds of BC Children’s Hospital – provides accommodation, community and kindness to up to 2,000 families each year
Here’s how to plan your Home for Dinner gathering:
- Sign up as a host. Hosts are invited as well to register to attend the virtual celebration on October 14.
- Plan a home-cooked meal or support your favourite local restaurant by ordering takeout. Invite your friends, family or colleagues and make sure to follow current public health guidelines and recommendations!
- Host Your Dinner and Fundraiseby asking your guests to donate to your personal fundraising page in lieu of wine, flowers or other contributions.
- Celebrate by joining RMH BC’s virtual celebration on October 14. Again this year, Home for Dinner participants and the general public are invited to join a virtual celebration with RMH BC on Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The online event will feature live entertainment, family stories and an exciting silent auction, as well as a virtual toast to fundraisers, donors and supporters across B.C. and abroad.
Interested in donating a silent auction item and promoting your business? Connect with kelsey@bcha.com
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Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.
Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
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Don't Miss This Webinar Series! Introduction to Sustainability for Tourism Businesses
Date: September 21 @1:30pm
October 5 @10am
Join GreenStep for this free webinar to learn how your tourism business, and the planet, can benefit from assessing your business’s sustainability performance.
Improve your knowledge on sustainability, gain tips on creating an action plan, long-term goal setting, and how to engage your customers and staff.
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You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
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Congrats to our members Hotel Blu, Shangri-La Hotel, Pan Pacific Whistler and Tigh-Na-Mara for being included in MONTECRISTO Magazine's round-up of philanthropic hotels!
Leading the charge of charitable hotel, the article outlines the various ways each hotel has made a commitment to giving back! A big thanks to Allie Turner for featuring each property in this fantastic piece!
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BCHA President and CEO joined Gloria Macarenko, detailing the proof of vaccination program and its impact on the hotel sector.
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While hotels are essential services and exempt from the card, some parts of the hotel — like in-hotel dining services — may still require proof of vaccination.
Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO of the British Columbia Hotel Association, says customers' expectations of more widespread vaccination might sway hotels to ask for proof of vaccination as a business model.
"We're also hearing from guests ... who want to know that everybody they come in touch with within a hotel is vaccinated," Jarrett said.
"We're not mandated to check for proof of vaccinations. We are seeing hotels and resorts as business owners and operators determining that it is in their best interest that they are in fact checking for vaccination, or proof of vaccination."
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Air Canada has unveiled its expanded Travel Ready hub, an interactive online tool that helps customers obtain necessary information for upcoming trips. On the portal, travellers can access COVID-19 test requirements, required travel documentation, and country travel restrictions for any global destination.
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Guest writer and industry expert Are Morch shares his tips for hoteliers and why he thinks technology is important to survive during these times. As the COVID-19 Delta variant has sprung up havoc once again numerous hotels are starting to experience cancellations as the media blasts it out.
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