Provincial vaccine passport starts Wednesday

ONTARIO — On September 1, the province announced a new vaccine certificate or ‘passport’ system for selected settings that take effect today, September 22.

The system will cover ‘higher-risk’ indoor spaces where masks can’t be worn at all times.

Included in the list of places you’ll have to show your proof of vaccination are restaurants (excluding outdoor patios, takeout and delivery), nightclubs (including outdoor areas), meeting and event spaces like banquet halls, sports and fitness facilities and gyms, sporting events, casinos, bingo halls and gambling establishments, concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas, strip clubs and bath houses, racing venues and indoor areas of waterparks.

Businesses on the list will be required to screen patrons for their vaccination receipts and I.D. Non-compliance by businesses will be subject to fines.

The province expects a digital passport system to be available to smart phone users by October 22. The measure will stay in place until officials believe the threat of spreading COVID-19 passes.