Effective today, Albertans will require one more piece of identification in their wallets to gain access to a wide range of services provincewide.
It's up to business owners on whether they want to implement the proof of immunization program at their establishment, which in turn gives them the ability to operate under somewhat normal circumstances.
The Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) applies to non-essential businesses across the province including restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, concert venues and fitness facilities.
Effective today, businesses that choose to opt-out of the REP will need to adjust operations to comply with provincial health restrictions including limitations on capacity.
Over the weekend, Alberta Health Services updated the list of eligible participants for the REP, saying that retail stores and libraries are no longer eligible and will still be subject to capacity limits.
According to AHS, the Restrictions Exemption Program doesn't apply to the following:
- Private events
- Food courts
- Health, personal and wellness services
- Workers at a worksite for the purpose of their employment
- K-12 schools, publicly funded post-secondary institutions and First Nation colleges
- Places of worship
- Hotels
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Libraries
Face coverings are still required in all indoor public spaces, regardless of whether they are participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program.
Albertans can now download cards showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a more secure QR code will be available in the coming weeks.
You can access your proof of vaccination here.
Information provided by Shilpa Downton/CochraneNow