Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
The Government of Ontario announced that proof of vaccination will be required for indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment as of September 22, 2021. Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination receipt along with photo ID (drivers license or health card) 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 will not apply to settings such as:
· Low-risk outdoor settings, including patios (apart from outdoor nightclub spaces given the risk associated with the setting)
· Settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, and medical supplies
Those 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.
Beginning October 22, 2021, an enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code, will be available. Ontario will develop and implement an enhanced vaccine certificate with unique QR code and accompanying verification app that will allow users to verify their vaccination status securely and safely.
You can find the news release HERE.
You can find frequently asked questions HERE.
You can find the Ontario Government Reopen Plan website HERE.