Ontario Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates With QR Codes Now In Effect | The Canadian News

Almost two months after the Ontario government first announced that COVID-19 vaccine certificates would be needed for many indoor settings, enhanced vaccination proof documents with QR codes can now be used throughout the province.

The proof of vaccination system required in many indoor public settings has been in place since September 22 based on receipts previously issued to people who have been vaccinated.

As of Wednesday, more than 3.7 million of the more than 10 million fully vaccinated Ontarians had downloaded enhanced vaccine certificates with QR codes.

Recently, business owners and operators were able to download the Verify Ontario app, which will scan the QR codes on the enhanced certificates. Three findings will appear in the application: verified, invalid (or the person is partially vaccinated or it has not been 14 days since the second dose) or problem (or the QR code could not be scanned or the code came from a third party and cannot be recognized).

Check Ontario doesn’t store information and can work without being connected to the internet, but government staff say the app needs to be online periodically so it can download updates. It collects basic information from Google analytics, such as how many times it is used, but the data is anonymized.

Officials said they are working on developing features that will allow people to add their new vaccine certificate with the QR code to their Apple or Android wallets, but for now, people can save a screenshot to their photos or add it to files like PDF.

Despite the release of Enhanced Vaccine Certificates, older versions are still accepted for now. Regardless of the document you present, you will need to show government issued identification.

Ontario’s current QR code system does not yet recognize legitimate medical exemptions, so those letters or forms will still need to be submitted for inspection.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott previously said a process is being developed to incorporate medical exemptions into the code, involving public health units that verify the exemptions.

Officials with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said the app alleviates concerns about the possibility of fraudulent documents.

James Rilett of the Restaurants Canada industry group said that most restaurants intend to use the app, particularly full-service restaurants, and some are already using it, but some operators have raised concerns about using their apps. own personal devices for the application.

Where can I get an improved vaccination certificate if I don’t have one?

You need to fill out a short questionnaire on the Ontario government website and you will be asked to verify certain information on your health card before receiving a PDF of your certificate enhanced with a QR code. Click here to access the website.

If you cannot retrieve your certificate or do not have a printer, call the Ontario Vaccine Contact Center at 1-833-943-3900 for assistance.

Where are vaccination certificates 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.

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 they are generally exempt.

Children under the age of 12, who are currently unable to get vaccinated against COVID-19, are not subject to screening under Ontario regulations. For children under the age of 18 who will enter an indoor space for organized sports, they are also exempt.

When it comes to funerals, weddings, and other religious ceremonies or rites, proof of vaccination is not 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 are not required by the program to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test. However, there is nothing in the regulations that prevents companies from enacting such a policy. Previously, government personnel encouraged business owners who wanted 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, penalties for individuals who fail the assessment or submit fraudulent documents start at $ 750 and penalties for businesses start at $ 1,000.

– with archives from The Canadian Press

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