Adults who supervise or assist youth activities must now be fully immunized in British Columbia

British Columbia has expanded public health orders requiring that all adults who supervise or help young people participate in sports and other activities be fully immunized.

This means that any coach, volunteer or group leader will fall under the new mandate.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is expected to provide further details on the new policy next Tuesday.

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The change was made to provincial health ordinances on October 25, but was never publicly announced.

ViaSport has contacted sports organizations about the change.

“Reflecting on the concerns and questions raised by parents in these circumstances and many others have brought order,” Dix said.

“What he is telling people is that if you are in these circumstances, you need to get the vaccine.”

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This will include, for example, dance studios, Boy Scouts and Guides and other community groups.

What is still not clear is how the province will enforce the growing vaccine requirement. The province has struggled to force vaccines into the school system because it is not the direct employer.

The province is not the employer in this case, where community centers, other organizations and sports clubs would be the employer.

“This is our expectation in this area and all other British Columbians will follow directions and orders,” said Dix.

“There are a variety of circumstances. the simplest part is if you are supervising youth sports you need to be vaccinated. It is not about punishing anyone. It is about the safety of the activity.

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