Security companies prepare to enforce B.C. vaccine passport

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Private security companies are having to prepare for a range of possibilities as B.C.’s vaccine passport system’s launch date approaches.

Details about the passport have yet to be revealed, even though it will be mandatory to enter many non-essential businesses. The card will require British Columbians prove they have at least one dose of a vaccine starting Sept. 13 and two doses as of Oct. 24, whether taking in live sports, indoor dining or going to the gym.

Paladin security guards can make arrests, but try to de-escalate and avoid hands-on confrontation, says Chris Currie, vice president of Paladin Security.

“We’re in a unique position in that we have to make sure our staff are up to speed in understanding the regulations,” says Currie. “It’s sort of understanding what we need to do, what the province is asking us for, and relaying that information to our staff.”

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“If we see somebody without a mask, we approach them in a friendly and supportive way. The second thing we do is provide masks,” he says. “If they weren’t, though, it would really be a matter of what that customer wants in terms of next steps,” he says.

Overall, Currie says people have been relatively compliant with COVID-19 recommendation.