Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
Today the Government of Ontario announced coming changes related to proof of vaccination requirements in select public setting. OTA has been following the announcements and has provided a summary of the key points, along with relevant links for more information for the membership. OTA is encouraging all members to review the details of the announcement to ensure their operations are aware of the upcoming changes and how to access proof of vaccination.
As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. Click here for a list of qualifying public settings. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn. These requirements will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, medical supplies and the like. Aligned with public health measures currently in place, indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place.
Ontarians who received their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out of province should contact their local public health unit to record their information and receive proper documentation. Both proof of identity along with proof of vaccination will be required. Individuals visiting from outside the province, or the country will be required to show their full vaccination status and identification to enter prescribed settings. Ontario will develop and provide additional tools to improve user experience, efficiency, and business supports in the coming weeks, including ensuring verification of fully vaccinated individuals from outside of province or country.
Currently, vaccine receipts are available in PDF form to be downloaded or printed to your computer, phone or tablet. Individuals can provide proof of immunization by downloading or printing their vaccine receipt from the provincial booking portal, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. Ontarians currently have access to a paper or PDF vaccine receipt that includes all relevant information to prove that they are fully vaccinated.
As of September 22, Ontarians will be required to show their vaccine receipt when entering designated settings along with another piece of photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or health card. Beginning October 22, Ontario will also introduce an optional enhanced digital vaccine receipt that features a QR code, which is safe, more secure and with you wherever you go. This digital vaccine receipt can be kept on a phone and easily used to show that you’ve been vaccinated if you need to. In addition, the province will launch a new app to make it easier and more convenient for businesses and organizations to read and verify that a digital vaccine receipt is valid, while protecting your privacy. An enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code. will be available.
For full details of today’s announcements including links to detailed FAQ’s, please click here. OTA will continue to update the membership as additional information is made available on this subject.