Ontario Government Announces Vaccine Passport System For Non-Essential Business Access

Full COVID-19 vaccinations will be required to access non-essential businesses in Ontario starting on Sept. 22 announced by the provincial government in a live stream press conference at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.

Screenshot.

The announcement was made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford along with Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government and Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The announcement was made to help non-essential businesses open amid a fourth wave from the Delta variant.

"After in-depth discussions with our medical experts, we've landed on a vaccine certificate policy that is based on evidence and the best advice," said Ford.

The focus is on indoor settings with restrictions especially in places where masks cannot always be worn. Gyms, indoor restaurants, movie theatres and public settings will be under the new vaccine passport system.

The passports are not necessary for retail, banks, places of worship, essential services, salons/barbershops, workplaces or patios and other outdoor spaces.

“At no time will people be denied medical care, food from grocery stores or basic medical supplies based on their vaccination status,“ said Elliott. “We will also maintain access to these settings to those who have a medical exception or children who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

Photo identification must be provided with vaccine receipts. The latter is currently available online to be printed or can be downloaded onto your mobile device, computer or tablet.

On Oct. 22, an enhanced vaccine certification will be available with a unique QR code to provide proof of vaccination conveniently and quickly. Ontario will launch a new app for convenient vaccine verification.

These rules will not apply to children under 12 and anyone with medical exceptions.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.