VICTORIA — British Columbia residents can now access the federal government's proof-of-vaccination record allowing for travel within Canada and internationally. 

The provincial government says residents can now access the federal COVID-19 proof-of-vaccination card in the same way 3.7 million people downloaded their card for non-essential activities within the province. 

However, the province says the federal government has indicated it will allow British Columbians to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel within the country until Nov. 30, while national proof of vaccination is implemented. 

The federal government has said its card can also be used for international travel, but those leaving Canada would need to check the requirements of the country they'll be visiting.

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the federal vaccine card can be accessed through Health Gateway, the ministry's web service, by phone or at most Service BC offices.

Travellers need two doses of a vaccine, with the second one administered at least 14 days before departure.

The B.C. government also says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has extended a mask mandate for everyone aged five and up in indoor public spaces in order to continue slowing the transmission of COVID-19.

"This important layer of protection will help make all of us safer, along with practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if sick and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated," Henry says in a written statement.

The mask mandate was due to expire on Sunday.

The province recorded 584 cases of COVID-19 on Friday, and nine more people have died, for a total of 2,156 deaths.

It says 85 per cent of eligible residents aged 12 and up are now fully vaccinated.

Thirty-three outbreaks are ongoing, mostly at long-term care facilities, but also at Mission Memorial Hospital, Chilliwack General and University Hospital of Northern BC, as well as a new one at a correctional centre on Vancouver Island.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2021.

The Canadian Press