The British Columbia government says it has seen a massive increase in interest in the COVID-19 vaccine since the announcement of a new program that requires proof of vaccination for a wide range of social and recreational activities.
Since Monday, the number of people enrolling in the vaccination program or booking appointments each day has jumped by as much as 201 percent compared to the previous week, according to a statement from the county. The government says the biggest jumps have been in people under the age of 40.
Monday is the date officials announced that proof of vaccination will be required to do things like eat at a restaurant, watch a movie in the theater or participate in a fitness class.
“I am delighted that people are heeding our call to roll up their sleeves to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But there is more work to be done, and I encourage everyone to make the best choice to protect themselves and their loved ones – get vaccinated,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said in the statement. .
Figures provided by the county show that on Monday, 8,909 people were enrolled in the vaccine program and 7,347 appointments booked, up 175 percent and 89 percent, respectively, from the previous Monday.
Tuesday saw larger increases compared to the previous week, with 10,175 new registrations and 9,486 bookings, jumping 201 percent and 124 percent, respectively.
The county says that in the past two days alone, 12,904 people under 40 registered and 11,301 appointments booked, more than double last week’s numbers.
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