New tool is helping Ontarians easily show their proof of vaccination
Ontarians are required to show proof of vaccination before entering a number of non-essential settings and one group of volunteers is aiming to make the transition as smooth as possible.
The new tool, created by the team of Ontario volunteers made up of software engineers, healthcare workers, students and more, is helping residents add their proof of vaccination to their iPhone Apple Wallets in a few simple steps.
The tool is meant to serve as a solution in the interim between now and Oct. 22, when the province says a standardized QR code system will come into effect.
The tool guides users through saving their proof of vaccination PDF from the MOH’s website, prompts them to then upload it onto their website and then allows users to add the proof to their Apple Wallet with a click of a button.
“No personal data is sent to the internet,” the group says. “[The] QR code is for verification only, with no personal info.”
The colour of the pass within your Apple Wallet will depend on your vaccination status. One dose is shown as orange, while two doses appears as green “for easy differentiation without reading the text.”
One of the creators, Billy Lo, told CTV News Toronto on Tuesday that his team was keen to help in any way they could.
“For software engineers, we cannot treat patients, right? But it's really an all hands on deck situation, so we can help in other ways,” Lo said.
The group of volunteers is the same responsible for creating the all-in-one vaccine appointment finding tool at vaccine-ontario.ca.
“All of us [are] quite eager to kind of do our own civic duty,” Lo said.
“I think this is a lot of bad news lately but there's also some good news.”
So far, they say that 58,028 receipts have been processed through their tool since Sept. 2.
On their website, the volunteers say that they have plans to expand into Andriod usage and potentially into additional provinces, depending on volunteer interest.
The Ministry of Finance told CTV News Toronto Wednesday that they are building an app and plan to release it as open source software, but that there will remain options for those who do not have access to digital tools.
“We want to stress that digital first doesn’t mean digital only. On Oct. 22, people will have the choice to download the QR code enhanced vaccine certificate or they can continue to use the print version,” Ministry spokesperson Amanda Brodhagen said.
“We are aware of vaccine certificate tools being developed by volunteers, and while we appreciate groups bringing forward novel solutions, we strongly encourage Ontarians to examine any product's privacy and security policies, and to be cautious of sharing personal data, especially health information.”
The Ministry also underlined that the app they're developing is for businesses to scan QR codes and that the public will only have to show those codes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.