Vaccine Passports: Who Needs Them?

This week the Ontario Government announced that proof of vaccination will be required to enter some non-essential businesses. Who will need to check for vaccine passports? We have the list below.

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. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:

• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);

• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);

• 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 sport;

• Sporting events;

• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;

• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;

• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;

• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).

These mandatory requirements would not apply to outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, including patios, with the exception of outdoor nightclub spaces given the risk associated with the setting. In addition, 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. For those unable to be vaccinated for medical reason, a note from a medical professional until recognized medical exemptions can be worked into the passport system.

Ontario will develop and provide additional tools to improve user experience, efficiency and business supports in the coming weeks, including establishing alternative tools for people with no email, health card or ID. In the meantime, 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.

With the exception of weddings & funerals between September 20th and October 12th, negative COVID-19 test results will not replace the requirement for vaccinations to enter the above locations.

Written with content from the Government of Ontario News Release: Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings from September 1st 2021.