Ontario's vaccine passport system begins and this is what you need to know
Ontario's vaccine certificate program is now in effect and there are some important things to know about how it will work.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to access non-essential businesses in Ontario starting Wednesday.
Those eligible for a vaccine certificate must have both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine 14 days prior.
These are the answers to some of the top questions about the program.
How do you get your vaccine certificate?
The province has split its vaccine passport rollout into two stages.
In the first step, beginning on Sept. 22, fully vaccinated residents need to navigate to the provincial website to retrieve their vaccination receipts.
Click here to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccine.
Users are instructed to print or save their receipts as a PDF to a mobile device which can then be used as proof-of-vaccination.
Prior to entry into non-essential settings, establishments will visually verify your vaccine certificate with accompanying government-issued physical identification.
This process will be in place until Oct. 22, when the province's QR code and verification app will come into effect.
At that time, users will be required to request their certificate through the province’s forthcoming digital portal or service desk.
Click here for more information on getting your proof of vaccine.
Where do you need proof of vaccine?
Ontarians will need proof of vaccine in most non-essential settings.
All other public health measures, like masking and screening, will still apply in areas where you need a vaccine certificate.
Some examples of these settings include:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios)
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas)
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and person fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities (with the exception of youth recreational sport)
- Sporting events
- Indoor areas of waterparks
- Indoor areas of commercial film and TV productions with studio audiences
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs
- Racing venues
The government says at no time will anyone unvaccinated be prevented from accessing necessary medical care, food from grocery stores, basic medical supplies or other essentials.
Click here for a detailed list of situations where you will be exempt from showing a vaccine certificate.
The province warned that proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a recent infection will not replace the vaccine certificates.
Can I get a medical exemption if I can't get the vaccine?
The Ontario government said there are two valid medical exemptions to getting the vaccine.
The first would be an allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine within an individual, which must be confirmed by an allergist or immunologist.
The second would be if an individual suffered myocarditis or pericarditis after the first dose of a vaccine.
If you have a medical exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine certificate program, you must present identification and a written document.
Children under 12 will not need to show proof of vaccination.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.