Ontario to now require QR code vaccine certificate as proof of COVID vaccination

By News Staff

Starting Tuesday, Ontarians will need to use the province’s enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate equipped with a QR code to enter any location where proof of vaccination is required.

That includes indoor dining, theatres, gyms and other businesses. Most of those places will close Wednesday due to new restrictions, but for today and when they reopen, older versions of vaccine certificates without a QR code won’t be permitted.


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Businesses will use the Verify Ontario app to scan the codes and confirm a person’s vaccination status.

The enhanced certificates can be digital or a paper copy. Those with medical exemptions also need verified certificates with a QR code as doctor’s notes will no longer be accepted as of January 10.

It’s important to note that as of Dec. 23, 2021, the Ontario government defines full vaccination as having two doses and there isn’t a formal requirement yet to show proof of having three doses.

The changes were billed by the Ontario government as ways to “further encourage vaccination and help limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.” Questions were raised about continuing the use of certificates without QR codes, citing instances of forgery.

If you haven’t downloaded the personal QR code yet, you can do so on the government’s website, have it mailed, or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

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With files from Nick Westoll of CityNews

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