Ontario changing what will be accepted as proof of vaccination

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: Early next year, the Ontario government is going to be requiring individuals to use their QR code vaccine certificate to enter, and stay in, facilities where proof of vaccination is required.

On Friday, December 10th, the government announced these “enhanced” certificates would be the only proof these businesses and facilities can accept for entering, and staying in them, as of Tuesday, January 4th.

“We understand, not everyone has access to or is comfortable with technology. That is why people can save the electronic version of their QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions. If individuals need help printing, they can visit their local library or call the provincial vaccine contact centre to have their vaccine certificate mailed to them. They can also visit a Service Ontario centre to receive a printed copy,” Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott said, during a televised press conference.

The vaccine contact centre can be reached at 1-833-943-3900. People can also download the QR code certificate online, at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

An Ontario government backgrounder file explained what people, who have medical exemptions, need to do.

“To obtain an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code, individuals who have an eligible medical exemption must ask an Ontario physician or registered nurse, in the extended class, to submit their exemption directly to the public health unit, where the issuer’s practise is located.” The provincial government also announced, as of December 20th, they will be “requiring proof of vaccination for youth aged 12 to 17 years, when participating in organized sports at recreational facilities.”

Proof of vaccination is required in order to eat or drink in restaurants and bars and to enter and stay in meeting and event spaces, theatres, sports-related facilities and casinos.

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