Residents across Ontario will need their QR code and their enhanced vaccine certificate to enter a variety of settings as of today.
On December 10, Health Minister and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott announced that Ontario will require the use of the QR code and the Verify Ontario app in settings where proof of vaccination is required as of January 4, as well as a piece of identification.
Businesses must accept either a digital or paper copy of the QR code. Ontario says vaccine receipts without a QR code will no longer be accepted.
They will be required across a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including restaurants and bars, gyms, concert venues and theaters. You can find the full list HERE.
The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/. You will need your health card to access it.
If you don’t have access to a computer, the Ontario Ministry of Health has previously said residents should contact their local library for assistance in printing out their vaccine certificate.
As well, as of today, individuals aged 18 and over are eligible to schedule their COVID-19 booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal, by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies and primary care settings.
Ontario notes that as of January 10, businesses will no longer accept a written medical exemption under the proof-of-vaccination system, and residents with medical exemptions will need a QR code as well.
To obtain a medical exemption, Ontario says you must ask an Ontario physician or registered nurse to submit your exemption request directly to your local public health unit, and once it’s accepted, you’ll be able to access your enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code.