Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to access certain public and indoor settings in Ontario under the province’s new vaccine certification program starting September 22, 2021. These measures are being put in place to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of COVID-19.
Those eligible for a vaccine certificate, also known as a “vaccine passport,” must be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted to enter these settings with a doctor’s note until the medical exemption can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. The new rules will also not apply to children under the age of 12.
These mandatory requirements will not apply to essential retail shopping, salons and barbershops, banks, places of worship, essential services, workplaces or patios and other outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower. See link below for a full list of places that require proof of vaccination.
The first step of this process will take place on September 22. Fully vaccinated residents are currently able to visit the provincial website to retrieve their vaccination receipts. Users are instructed to print or save their receipts as a PDF to a mobile device which can then be used as proof-of-vaccination. Prior to entry into non-essential settings, establishments will visually verify the vaccine certificate with accompanying government-issued identification (driver’s license or health card).
This process will be in place until October 22, when step 2 will be implemented. The province will issue a QR code upon request that can be printed or stored on a mobile device. This QR code will replace the need of a vaccine receipt.
The COVID-19 vaccine remains our best tool in fighting this virus and all its variants. We encourage everyone to do their part and get vaccinated.
Resources:
Which settings will require proof of vaccination: Click Here
How the vaccine receipts and QR codes will work: Click Here
Book a vaccine appointment: Click Here