COVID-19 vaccine certificate QR code available to download

Details of the “enhanced vaccine certificate” available to residents by birth month over a period of three days were posted on the Ontario website Friday morning and later confirmed in this news conference by Premier Doug Ford.

By News Staff and The Canadian Press

Starting today, some Ontarians will be able to download the new COVID-19 vaccine certificate QR code and verification app.

Details of the “enhanced vaccine certificate” available to residents by birth month over a period of three days were posted on the Ontario website Friday morning and later confirmed in a news conference by Premier Doug Ford.

“The enhanced vaccine certificates and Verify Ontario app will give our businesses further comfort in their ability to operate safely as we take further steps to protect people’s privacy,” Ford said. “These certificates remain a key element of our plan to protect the gains we have made while avoiding future lockdowns.”

Here’s how and when you can get your QR code:

  • October 15, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between January and April
  • October 16, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between May and August
  • October 17, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between September to December

 

The province said it is spreading out the dates so the website does not crash.

“We are making it simpler, faster and more convenient for Ontarians to show their proof of vaccination, allowing them to safely access businesses and other settings across the province,” added Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “If you haven’t yet received your vaccine, please do so today.”

The app is already available for download for businesses and organizations to scan people’s QR codes.

Verification journey

Verification journey. Credit: Ontario Health


As of Monday morning at 8 a.m., it will available for everyone to download. All you will need to access your vaccine certificate is your green photo health card. I.D. will still need to be shown with the QR code for verification.

It will also be available to print off for those who do not have a smartphone. The app will also be able to read other provinces’ vaccine certificate QR codes, including those from British Columbia and Quebec.

The government is working on a way to embed a medical exemption for those who have received one for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine certificate

Vaccine certificate QR Code update. Credit: Ontario Health


The Ontario government is also expected to announce the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions in the near future.

Ford said Friday that those plans were currently being “finalized.”

“We are now able to finalize our plans to exit Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen and cautiously lift more public health measures.”

A source has told CityNews capacity limits at restaurants and gyms are expected to be lifted. Mask mandates and other public health measures will remain in effect.


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Under Ontario’s vaccine certificate program, only those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — or have a valid medical exemption from a doctor — can access certain settings, such as theatres, nightclubs and restaurant dining rooms.

As it stands, residents must show their vaccine receipt and photo ID to enter those facilities, but the province plans to replace that system with black-and-white barcodes and an app-based scanner.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment played a key role in the development of the app to deliver it in near-record time to Ontario businesses.

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