September 15, 2021
The government of Ontario has released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations in regards to the proof of vaccination requirements which will come into effect on September 22, 2021.
I have provided a link to the text of the full announcement below.
In summary:
The government is developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code that will be available by October 22, 2021.
Until such time, all Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal.
Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt including those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Guidelines for businesses
Until October 22, 2021, all versions of the receipt that the government has provided to Ontarians after vaccination are acceptable as proof of vaccination. However, a patron seeking access to a business or organization must provide the receipt that shows that they are fully vaccinated.
All other public health measures (e.g., masking and physical distancing) continue to apply to patrons, even with proof of vaccination.
Full guidelines regarding which patrons and visitors require proof and what proof is acceptable can be downloaded as a .pdf from this page:
https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/guidance_proof_of_vaccination_for_businesses_and_organizations.pdf
Requirements
Most businesses and organizations will require patrons entering the premises to provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as per the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA).
In order to enter the business and organization:
- The patron must provide the required proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated, and
- The business and organization must review and confirm the proof.
The business or organization shall not retain any information provided by the patron.
Proof of Vaccination
Beginning September 22, 2021, businesses must ask for proof of vaccination and ensure that the vaccination receipt offered by the patron belongs to them.
Validation of vaccination will be based on two key identifiers:
- Name of the identification holder; and
- Date of birth.
A photo identification is not required.
Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt include:
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship card
- Driver’s licence
- Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
- Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
- Passport
- Permanent Resident card
Exemptions
The proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 requirements under O. Reg. 364/20 do not apply to:
- Workers, contractors, repair workers, delivery workers, students, volunteers, inspectors or others who are entering the business or organization for work purposes and not as patrons.
- A patron who is entering an indoor area solely for the following purposes:
- to use a washroom;
- to access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route;
- to make a retail purchase;
- while placing or picking up an order, including placing a bet or picking up winnings in the case of a horse racing track;
- while paying for an order;
- to purchase admission; or
- as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.
- Children under 12 years of age
- Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport
There are some limited exemptions for ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, but NOT for any connected social activities such as receptions.
Again, the downloadable Guidelines provide complete information.
Medical exemptions
Patrons with a medical exemption are required to present identification and a written document, completed and supplied by a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”) stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.
I hope you find this information helpful and and informative and that you, your fellow workers and employees, families and loved ones stay safe and healthy in the coming weeks and the arrival of back-to-school season.Please contact me with any questions you may have or for assistance working through your staffing matters.
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy
Province Continues to Expand Third Dose Eligibility for Those at Highest Risk of COVID-19
September 14, 2021
TORONTO — As the province continues to respond to the fourth wave of the pandemic driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, the government is further protecting Ontarians through continued actions that encourage every eligible person to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Today the government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021. Requiring proof of vaccination will help increase vaccination rates, protect individuals in higher-risk indoor settings, and keep businesses open.
Click »» here to read the full News Release on the Ontario government website