Nervous workers, defiant businesses and a fistfight: Here’s how Day 1 of B.C.’s vaccine passport went
2021-09-13 from thestar.com
VICTORIA—The first day of British Columbia’s program requiring that residents have vaccine cards to gain entry to non-essential businesses was met with tension in the streets and anxiety from the businesses required to enforce the rules.
The rollout of B.C.’s so-called vaccine passport Monday — the same day groups of protesters across the country targeted hospitals over pandemic restrictions and vaccine mandates — could serve as an example of what is yet to come in Ontario, where a proof-of-vaccination program comes into effect next week.
On busy Government Street in downtown Victoria, the restaurant business appeared to be booming — sunny patios filling with tourists and locals alike. Only small things indicated a change, such as the signs instructing people to have their vaccine card and identification ready, and, in some cases, security guards posted at what is typically the host’s stand.
Those working in the restaurants said they’d heard rumours that people opposed to the vaccine card program were going to phone in fake takeout orders in a bid to punish restaurants that were complying with the public health order.
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