Earlier this week, Manitoba Premier announced that a secure immunization card will allow Manitobans to travel within Canada without self-isolating.
Brian Pallister says fully immunized Manitobans will now be able to travel without having to self-isolate for two weeks upon return with a new, secure immunization card that will be available to people two weeks after they have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
"Many Manitobans have rolled up their sleeves over these past few months and done their part in protecting our province, and I want to commend them for doing so," says Pallister. "Manitobans have told us that getting back to the things they love and miss is one of the biggest incentives to getting vaccinated. As a government, we are doing everything we can to bolster vaccine availability and accessibility, and equipping Manitobans with the information and support they need to make the right decision to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community."
The Premier notes that inter-provincial travel without being required to self-isolate on the return to Manitoba is one of the first benefits from being fully immunized. In addition, Manitoba health-care facilities, including hospitals and personal care homes, will permit expanded visitation if both the patient/resident and visitor are fully vaccinated. This benefit is expected to be extended to health-care facility visitation in the coming week. Individuals also will continue to be exempt from self-isolation if they are an identified close contact of a COVID-19 case if they are fully vaccinated, with direction provided by public health officials. Additional benefits are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
To be eligible to receive an immunization card, Manitobans must:
- have a Manitoba health card;
- have received two doses of a vaccine; and
- wait 14 days after getting the second dose of vaccine, so it can take full effect.
The Premier notes the process to order a new immunization card is quick, simple and secure. Two weeks after receiving a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Manitobans may apply for the card using the new online portal at https://immunizationcard.manitoba.ca/.
The digital and physical cards contain no personal health information or data. Rather, the cards only show the person's first and last names and a QR code. When scanned, the QR code will show the person is fully vaccinated.
Once someone has successfully completed the online request, they will automatically receive access to a digital card. There is also an option to request a physical card that will be mailed to the address on the applicant's Manitoba health card. If a physical card is requested, it can be expected in the mail within 14 days.
People who would like to request their card but do not have Internet access can contact the insured benefits branch of Manitoba Health and Seniors Care at 204-786-7101 or 1-800-392-1207 (toll-free) to request a card. Individuals are encouraged to seek assistance from family and friends before contacting the province.
Fully immunized Manitobans looking to enter Ontario will need to wait. The province of Ontario's ban on anyone entering the province for non-essential reasons will remain in effect until Wednesday, June 16.