In response to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Ontario government says it is taking further measures to alleviate the transmission in high-risk settings. As of tomorrow Ontarians will need a QR code if they want to eat inside restaurants, go to movie theatres, gyms, concert venues, and other non-essential businesses that require proof of vaccination.
Ontarians will need to have enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificates with a scannable QR code Download by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/, or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have a vaccine certificate mailed. To download a proof of vaccination, residents must have a green photo health (OHIP) card, as they will be entering the card information to access your vaccination records.
Currently, vaccine passports are only required for those aged 12 and older.
The old versions of vaccine certificates without a scannable QR code will no longer be accepted. Those who have a medical exemption will also need a verified certificate with a QR code, as doctor’s notes will no longer be accepted as of Jan. 10.
“As cases continue to rise at a rapid rate and evidence on the Omicron variant evolves, our response needs to evolve alongside other jurisdictions to ensure those living and working in our highest-risk settings are protected.”
Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.
How will businesses check QR codes?
Businesses can download the Verify Ontario app, which can be used to scan the QR codes. If the patron is fully vaccinated, the business will see a checkmark and the person’s name and date of birth, which is to be checked against their ID.
The app is available in both Apple and Google app stores.
Quick Facts on updated Ontario COVID19 measures
- PCR testing for eligible individuals is available at over 220 assessment centres or community labs, in addition to over 600 participating pharmacies, many of which offer pick-up/drop-off of self-collection kits.
- To mitigate transmission of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, on December 19, 2021 the province implemented a 50 per cent capacity limit in select indoor public settings and has reduced informal social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
- As of December 29, 2021, Ontario has administered more than three million booster doses, including to 42 per cent of individuals aged 50 and over.
- Effective January 4, 2022, the use of the enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code and the Verify Ontario app will be required where proof of vaccination is required.
- Effective January 10, 2022, organizations and businesses that require provincial proof-of-vaccination system will no longer accept physician notes. Individuals who have an eligible medical exemption or are participating in an active Health Canada Approved COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial must have their exemption verified and integrated into an enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code.
- In response to the increased demand for vaccine doses, effective December 26, all GO-VAXX mobile buses will be scheduling appointments through Ontario’s booking portal. Walk-ins will no longer be accepted, as appointments will be required. To book an appointment, please go through Ontario’s booking portal or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
