Ontario launches vaccine verification app and QR codes for download
Ontario has launched its COVID-19 vaccine verification app and QR code system, both of which are now available for download.
Premier Doug Ford's office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that the app was launched on Thursday ahead of an announcement on Friday.
"This is for businesses and organizations to scan the QR code that will be made available to individuals," Ford's spokesperson Ivana Yelich said. "To ensure the app was available to businesses and organizations in real time tomorrow, the verification app was added to app stores today."
It is not necessary for individuals to download the app. The Verify Ontario app is available in the Apple app store and Google Play.
Individuals will be able to download their QR codes in a staged rollout. Starting Friday, those born in the first four months of the year wil be eligible to download their codes.
Ontarians born in the months of May, June, July, and August can download the code on Saturday, and those born in the last four months of the year can access their QR code on Sunday.
On the Ontario Health website, where the code is available for download, the province said the three-day rollout is meant to “ensure a smooth user experience.”
When a proof of vaccination QR code is scanned in the app, it will respond with either a green check, yellow caution sign or a red "X," which means the certificate is invalid.
The yellow caution sign could be issued because the vaccine certificate being scanned was issued outside of Canada, the app says.
CTV News Toronto learned Thursday that Ontario's proof of vaccination requirements could eventually be downgraded to a voluntary program, as the provincial government considers a new set of measures to ease businesses out of pandemic restrictions.
Sources with knowledge of the plan say the Ford government is working on a post-Step 3 strategy that will lift capacity limits on businesses where vaccine certificates are required — a plan that will be announced next week.
Ford is expected to speak this Friday, one week ahead of the implementation of the provincial proof-of-vaccination QR code, on Ontario exiting Step 3.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said he expects Ontario to carry out a "phased removal" of vaccine certificates when the time is right.
"We may not require them in some venues but still require them in mass gatherings," Moore said. "We do not see the whole certification process ending suddenly, but having a phased exit from it over time."
Moore said the gradual removal of public health measures "has done us well in Ontario all along" and he wants to continue doing so.
He also said that restrictions in Ontario won't be eased until he can determine the impact of Thanksgiving weekend on the province's COVID-19 situation.
Ontario has been in Step 3 of the "Roadmap to Reopen" since July. The province held off on exiting Step 3 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in August.
You can watch Doug Ford's announcement on Friday live here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.