NWHU MOH supporting province’s decision to require proof of vaccination in certain settings

Tim Brody - Editor

The Northwestern Health Unit’s (NWHU) Medical Office of Health, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, is supporting the provincial government’s decision, announced on Sept 1, to require people to provide proof of vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22. 

According to the provincial government, the decision was made, “ as the province continues to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19” to support “businesses with the tools they need to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.”

The provincial government announced that as of September 22, 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. According to the province, 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,” the province informed in a September 1 news release. 

According to the provincial government, individuals 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.

“For the period between September 22 and October 12, 2021, it is intended that people attending wedding or funeral receptions at meeting or event spaces will be able to provide a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the event as an alternative to proof of vaccination. These rapid antigen tests would have to be privately purchased.

“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. The government will work to support implementation of vaccine certificates for Indigenous communities whether or not they have opted to enter their data into COVaxON, while maintaining Indigenous data governance, control, access and possession principles.

“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. This is similar initial implementation approach announced in British Columbia.

“Ontario will also introduce an enhanced digital vaccine receipt that features a QR code, which is safe, more secure and with you wherever you go. This digital vaccine receipt can be kept on a phone and easily used to show that you’ve been vaccinated if you need to. In addition, the province will launch a new app to make it easier and more convenient for businesses and organizations to read and verify that a digital vaccine receipt is valid, while protecting your privacy,” the province’s news release informed.

“Being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 reduces the likelihood of spreading the virus to others. By limiting access to higher-risk settings to those who are fully vaccinated, it protects our communities and our health care system,” said Dr. Young Hoon. “I applaud the Premier for making this decision. It will save lives and will also help to keep our local businesses, workplaces, and schools open,” she added. 

NWHU informed that people can download their proof of vaccination at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.

NWHU further advised that anyone who would like either their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can learn more about NWHU clinics at: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19/Pages/booking-COVID19-vaccine-appointment.aspx.