BC’s Vaccine Card and the Cathedral: What does it mean for you?

The BC government has mandated that proof of vaccination is required to access some events, services and businesses. Some of the activities on offer at the cathedral are included in these categories, and some are not. Here’s what to expect:

From Monday, September 13:

Church Services (including weddings and funerals in the cathedral)

• In accordance with diocesan policy, unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12 will be asked to participate virtually only for the next few months, while vaccination rates continue to improve.
• No one will be required to show their vaccine card (or any other kind of immunization record or photo ID) for entry to a church service.
• Masks and social distancing are required in indoor public spaces.

Visitors and pilgrims to the cathedral

• Many people come and go through the cathedral nave and chapels while it’s open to the public (in the same way people frequent a library, museum or shopping mall). Because this does not constitute a gathering of people, no one will be asked to show a vaccine card for entry to the cathedral as a visitor.
• Masks and social distancing are required in indoor public spaces.

Indoor Concerts

• Proof of vaccination (1 dose) for individuals 12 and over will be verified at the door. Please be prepared to show:
  • photo ID (government-issued drivers’ license or service card or passport)
  • BC Vaccine Card (paper or digital). For more information on how to obtain your vaccine card, please go here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html.
• During the transition period (September 13-26), we will also be accepting the following forms of proof of vaccination:
  • Wallet-sized immunization record card (given out at vaccine clinics)
  • Printed immunization record from Health Gateway
  • Immunization record from your pharmacy (AstraZeneca/SII COVISHIELD)
  • National Defence Canada COVID-19 vaccine record or card
  • Provincial Immunization Registry record (used by Interior Health and others)
  • ImmunizeBC record (used by First Nations Health Authority and others)
  • Health authority immunization records: Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Northern Health
• Masks and social distancing are required in indoor public spaces.
• From October 24, proof of full vaccination will be required.

Other in-person Cathedral group meetings and gatherings (bible study, administrative meetings, choir
practice, knitting group, flower-arranging etc.)

• Proof of vaccination (1 dose) for individuals 12 and over will be verified (and recorded for
  future convenience) the first meeting where groups have regular and consistent membership.
  New members will be asked to show vaccine card and photo ID when they join.
• Masks and social distancing are required in indoor public spaces.
• From October 24, proof of full vaccination will be required.

Outside groups such as AA or yoga

• External user-groups are responsible for complying with stated public health orders respecting their
  particular activity. Failure to do so would be grounds for terminating the group’s access to the
  cathedral until such time as public health restrictions are lifted.