Province announces vaccine passport systems

ONTARIO — On Wednesday, September 1, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario is moving into a vaccine certificate program, which will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of such when attending certain businesses and settings.

This step takes affect on September 22, as everyone will need to produce their receipts from vaccination to dine indoors at a restaurant, patronize a bar or nightclub, attend banquet halls and convention centres, visit the gym or other recreational facilities (with the exception of youth sport), sporting events, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments, concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas, strip clubs and racing venues.

Ontario’s immunization cards were a predecessor to the proposed COVID vaccine certificates.

“As the world continues its fight against the Delta variant, our government will never waver in our commitment to do what’s necessary to keep people safe, protect our hospitals and minimize disruptions to businesses,” said Premier Ford. “Based on the latest evidence and best advice, COVID-19 vaccine certificates give us the best chance to slow the spread of this virus while helping us to avoid further lockdowns. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please do so today.”

These requirements will not apply to outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, including patios, with one exception being nightclub patios, where the risk may be higher in those settings.

Those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.

Children 11 or younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempt.

Between September 22 and October 12, people attending a wedding or funeral at conference centres and reception halls will be able to provide a negative rapid antigen test from no more than 48 hours before the event.

As of October 22, Ontario expects to have a phone app available with a QR code that will replace the paper receipts for those who have the technology to do so.

The move follows weeks of speculation that the Premier would eventually pull the trigger on the vaccine passport system as cases rise rapidly in the province.

This falls in line with Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba, who have recently rolled out similar programs.

If you need to print off your vaccination proof, visit www.covid19.ontariohealth.ca and check off the box that says you understand the terms of use, then click continue. This will bring you to a page that allows you to enter your information and download your proof.