The B.C. Government says all public service employees in the province will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 22.

In a statement, it says the decision, which impacts about 30,000 government employees, was made in consultation with Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The BC Public Service Agency says the vaccination requirement is part of an effort to increase vaccination rates throughout the province.

“As more employees return to their regular workplaces later in the fall, this provides an additional and reassuring layer of protection for workers who are continuing the vital work of serving British Columbians,” a statement from the Public Service Agency said.

“Public service employees working in core government or ministries will be required to provide proof of full vaccination using the BC Vaccine Card.”

The Public Service Agency says the November deadline gives employees not yet fully vaccinated enough time to comply. It also says details about accommodations for the “few people” who are unable to be vaccinated will be announced by early November.

Premier John Horgan was asked about the lack of a vaccine mandate during a media availability last week.

“Provincial public officials who are outward facing, who are working with the public are required to be vaccinated. We want to make sure that we move along quickly with the rest of the community,” he said. “These are issues that are top of mind for Minister Dix, Dr. Henry, and I in our discussions with the head of the public service, with our discussions with CEOs like Chris O’Reilly at BC Hydro and others to make sure that government is leading by example.”

As it stands, 81.6 per cent of eligible British Columbians over the age of 12 – 3,782,008 people – have been fully vaccinated.