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B.C.’s plan to roll out vaccination passports in September has received praise from some in the Richmond restaurant industry. 

However, William Tse, director of the Richmond-based BC Asian Restaurant Café Owners Association, said more work still needs to be done at both the provincial and industry levels to help customers understand how to obtain the proof of vaccination.

“Most employees I spoke to from the restaurant industry are positive about this new implementation, which is considered as a symbol of safety assurance for them,” said Tse.

“However, we also don’t want to see clients get refused entry to the restaurants that they have been looking forward to for quite a long time because they just show up without any vaccination proof.” 

Tse added that, given the fact Richmond has a diverse community, it might take more from the provincial government to successfully deliver the message to people from different cultural backgrounds. 

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the proof of vaccination will most likely be provided “through phone or by showing a paper copy” along with personal identification. 

But Tse noted that the technical part to get the vaccination proof might cause some confusion for non-English speaking seniors. 

It will be important for people to understand what the vaccine passports are and how they are to be used, according to City of Richmond spokesperson Clay Adams, adding that the city remains committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect the local community. 

“The City will support whatever communication flows from government and health officials and continue to encourage residents to be vaccinated and wear masks. Both are proven as effective methods to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19,” read the statement.