Jess Gould / XFM News
Ontarians must now be prepared to have proof of their vaccination status for most non-essential establishments like restaurants, concerts, and sporting events.
To enter businesses requiring proof, a receipt of first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and a government issued ID will need to be presented.
Proof of vaccination can be downloaded onto mobile devices or printed to show upon entering.
In a conference held the morning of the release for the vaccine certificate program, Premier Doug Ford shared the new plan will be helpful in the steps moving forward for Ontario.
“The more people that roll up their sleeves, get the jab in the arm, it’s gonna help everyone. Help the province as a whole, help the economies, help people get back to work and businesses. And that’s what we’re focused on.”
Good morning, Ontario.
Starting today, proof of vaccination is required for select settings. I know this may be tough for some, but we owe it to our businesses to do everything we can to avoid lockdowns.
Please be patient. Let’s all continue to support our amazing businesses.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 22, 2021
However, there are exceptions to note about the new vaccine certificate.
The Ontario government has released several scenarios where proof of vaccination will not be mandatory to enter.
This includes using the washroom, paying for an order, accessing an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route, placing a pick up order including a bet or winning, purchasing an admission, retail purchases, and purpose of health and safety.
As for exemptions from Ontario’s vaccination requirements, medical officials shared vaccine exemptions are rare and should be limited to life-threatening allergies to an ingredient in the vaccine, or an adverse reaction from a first dose.
An official letterhead written note from a physician or a nurse practitioner stating there is a medical reason for the exemption is a requirement for proof of exemption.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements as they are currently ineligible to be vaccinated.
Moving forward in a month, Ontario will begin a digital version of proof of vaccine that will include a QR code for scanning through the smart phone app beginning October 22.
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