This is where you need and don't need proof of vaccination in Ontario
Beginning next week, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to access a number of non-essential public settings and facilities.
The government announced the vaccine certificate program earlier this month, adding that, in order to be considered fully vaccinated, people will need to wait 14 days after their second dose.
The program comes into effect on Sept. 22.
According to the government, vaccine passports will be required mainly for indoor high-risk settings where face masks can't always be worn.
All other public health measures, like masking and screening, will still apply.
Where you need proof of vaccination in Ontario:
- 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
Where you won't need proof of vaccination in Ontario:
- At no time will anyone be prevented from accessing necessary medical care, food from grocery stores, basic medical supplies or other essentials
- Voting in upcoming federal election
- Outdoor settings, including patios, with the exception of outdoor nightclub spaces
- Takeaway and delivery services from restaurants and bars
- Retail shopping
- Salons and barbershops
- Banks
- Places of worship
- To access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route
Unvaccinated people with medical exemptions and people under 12 will also be exempt.
A negative COVID-19 test or recent infection will not entitle a person to enter non-essential settings, although the government said there will be a narrow, time-limited exceptions for testing.
From Sept. 22 to Oct 12, a negative test taken within 48 hours will enable a person to enter if they're not fully vaccinated to accommodate for weddings and funerals that have already been planned.
After that, proof of vaccination will not be required to attend a wedding or funeral service, but will be necessary if attending the reception.
If you have a medical exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine certificate program, you must present identification and a written document.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over potential power loss
Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash.
Canada Post quarterly loss tops $300M as strike hits second week -- and rivals step in
Canada Post saw hundreds of millions of dollars drain out of its coffers last quarter, due largely to its dwindling share of the parcels market, while an ongoing strike continues to batter its bottom line.
'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba
A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?
The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.
Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease
An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.
Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy'
Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.
Canada issues travel warning after 6 people die from tainted alcohol in Laos
The Canadian government is warning travellers following the deaths of at least six people in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol.
Ground beef tied to U.S. E. coli recall, illnesses wasn't sold in Canada: distributor
At least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef, federal health officials said.
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.