Release Date: Dec 10, 2021
The Ontario government announced
it’s taking actions to limit the spread of the Omnicron variant, including strengthening its proof of vaccination requirements.
Plans to lift proof of vaccination requirements in January 2022, have been put on hold and the following measures put in its place.
- Starting December 15, 2021, Ontario will begin providing an enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code for individuals who have an eligible medical exemption or are participating in an active, Health Canada Approved COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. Medical exemptions issued outside of Ontario will not be eligible for an enhanced vaccine certificate.
- Effective January 10, 2022, settings where proof of vaccination is required will be advised to no longer accept physician notes as acceptable documentation.
- Effective December 20, 2021, proof of vaccination will be required for youth aged 12 to 17 years of age participating in organized sports at recreational facilities.
- Effective January 4, 2022, persons trying to attend a setting where proof of vaccination is required, must use of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code (digital proof or printed copy).
- Effective January 4, 2022, settings where proof of vaccination is required, must use of the Verify Ontario app to check vaccination status of those wishing to enter.
Provincial Offences officers will continue visiting restaurants, recreational facilities, and other businesses or organizations where patrons are required to provide proof of vaccination prior to entry to ensure businesses understand their obligations on how to implement proof of vaccination processes and to ensure they are following all other public safety requirements outlined in the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act.
Provincial officers have been taking an education-first approach to enforcement; however, the expectation is that all businesses follow COVID-19 health and safety requirements.
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