Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford announced that starting on Wednesday, September 22 Ontarians will need to show proof of vaccination before entering a number of non-essential businesses.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the proof of vaccination certificate, commonly referred to as a vaccine passport, is critical to help Ontario avoid another lockdown.
"It's the primary motivation. Until our vaccination rates get to a level, say in the 90 per cent range, we need to implement [the proof of vaccination certificate]. The reality is we needed to step up to keep Ontarians safe and frankly to keep our economy open," said MPP Rickford in conversation with KenoraOnline and DrydenNow.
As of September 1, 83.73 per cent of eligible Ontarians, 12+, have received one dose of vaccine, with 77.05 per cent of the eligible population being considered fully immunized.
"We simply cannot afford another shutdown, so requiring proof of vaccination in non-essential settings, we believe, will reduce risk," added MPP Rickford noting that it remains critical for every eligible Ontarian to get vaccinated.
Starting on September 22, residents will have to present their proof of vaccination receipts along with a piece of photo identification before entering the following indoor public settings:
- Restaurants and bar (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishments);
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sports;
- Sporting events;
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs and;
- Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
MPP Rickford noted that proof of vaccination requirements don't apply to outdoor settings, like patios. Additionally, these requirements will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores and medical supplies.
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements.
Ontario will also introduce an 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.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at the Northwestern Health Unit is in favour of yesterday's announcement.
"I applaud the Premier for making this decision. It will save lives and will also help to keep our local businesses, workplaces, and schools open,” said Dr. Young Hoonn in a prepared release.
The health unit reminds residents that their vaccination receipts can be download from the Ministry of Health's website.