Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Certification Program for Many Indoor Public Settings Now In Effect | The Canadian News

It’s been three weeks since Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford announced plans to implement a COVID-19 vaccine certificate program for many indoor public settings across the province, but as of September 22, 12 residents years or older must now show proof of vaccination. or proof of a legitimate medical exemption.

“There are many people who are concerned about this policy and I want you to know that I am listening to you. I understand your concerns about protecting your civil liberties and your right to privacy, “Ford said in a statement released Tuesday, calling the measure temporary.

“While many fully vaccinated people like me share these concerns, the biggest concern is having to shut down again or experience a sudden spike in cases like in Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

READ MORE: Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine certificate is a ‘temporary’ measure needed to avoid another lockdown, says Doug Ford

The decision to go ahead with vaccine certificates marked a change in position for Ford, who previously said he was against such an initiative. However, he said he went ahead with the program in the absence of a national vaccine passport.

The Ontario program will be implemented in two phases. Beginning September 22, residents wishing to visit the settings identified by the provincial government will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated for at least 14 days or a legitimate medical exemption along with identification. Starting October 22, a mobile app based on QR codes will be launched for resident and business use in place of current vaccination receipts (alternatively, individuals can download enhanced receipts with a scannable QR code).

Where will vaccination certificates be required?

Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, concert halls, gyms and fitness facilities, theaters, cinemas, racetracks, water parks, film and television productions with studio audiences, sports facilities, casinos and gaming establishments, meeting and event spaces, strip clubs and baths.

What type of ID will be accepted along with the receipt and / or QR code or medical exemption?

Driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, Ontario photo card or other government issued identification, Indian status card or Indian membership card or permanent resident card.

How will companies check someone’s proof of vaccination?

In reviewing proof of vaccination documentation, business operators and employees were encouraged to compare the person’s name and date of birth with the identification they present. They were also encouraged to see that two doses of a vaccine and that at least 14 days have passed since the final dose.

Company personnel will not be required to ultimately verify the legitimacy of a medical exemption or receipt that is provided.

What if you are not a resident of Ontario?

If you are visiting Ontario and have not been vaccinated in the province, the program will accept proof of complete vaccination from where you live along with government identification.

When will you not be asked to show your certificate and who is exempt from the program?

People who only need to use a bathroom, pay for an order, access an outdoor area that can only be done through an interior, place or pick up a take out order, buy a ticket, buy something in a retail store or if there is a reason related to health and safety will generally be exempt.

Children under the age of 12, who currently cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19, will not be screened under Ontario regulations. For children under the age of 18 who will enter an indoor space for organized sports, they will also be exempt.

When it comes to funerals, weddings, and other religious ceremonies or rites, proof of vaccination will not be required as long as that person does not attend any associated social gatherings (such as receptions). Specific to funerals is an exemption from attending a social gathering if it is held in a funeral home or other facility approved under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act.

For those who are citing a medical exemption, they will not be required under the program to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test. However, there is nothing in the regulation that prevents companies from enacting such a policy. Government personnel encouraged business owners who wish to enact additional measures to consult an attorney.

According to a memorandum from the Ontario Ministry of Health on medical exemptionsExamples of reasons include severe allergies, anaphylaxis, myocarditis, or pericarditis. Time-limited waivers will also be granted if a person is receiving monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma therapy.

What are the fines and how will the application work?

Under the Ontario government regulation, fines for individuals who fail the assessment or submit fraudulent documents will start at $ 750 and fines for businesses will start at $ 1,000.

Officials of the municipal law and / or the provincial crime law will be the ones who mainly enforce the regulations.

However, if someone is in physical danger in connection with conducting a screening test, the Ontario Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health encouraged them to call 911.

What if you don’t have a copy of my second COVID-19 vaccine dose receipt or a mobile device?

Receipts can be downloaded from the Ontario government website (Click here). If you do not have a computer or printer, you can call the Ontario government’s Vaccine Information Line at 1-833-943-3900.

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