To further protect the public against the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government is requiring people to show proof of vaccination to access various indoor public settings, such as restaurants, gyms, banquet halls, and theatres.
As of September 22, patrons of these facilities will have to be vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days), and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID, such as a driver's licence or health card. The requirements will not apply to outdoor settings, such as patios, where the risk of transmission is lower, or to places where people receive medical care, or essential goods such as groceries.
An enhanced vaccine certification using a QR code (as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code), will be available beginning October 22. The QR code will protect the user's identity. Businesses will receive more details in the coming weeks.
If a customer does not wish to disclose their vaccination status, they will not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination. A negative COVID-19 test or recent COVID-19 infection will not enable a person to enter these settings either.
Those who can't receive the vaccine due to medial 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.
The new legislation is designed to encourage eligible residents to get their shot to protect hospital capacity, while supporting businesses with the tools they need to keep customers, safe, stay open and minimize disruptions, the government said in a news release.
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).
Capacity limits will remain in place for these settings.
Proof of vaccination will NOT be required at retail shops, spas, outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, and businesses providing personal services. Workplaces and government services will not require proof of vaccination.
