Ontario’s vaccine certificate program has officially taken effect. Get yours here. Users should print or save their vaccination receipts on their phone.
In the first stage, starting today, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is now required to access non-essential businesses in Ontario, and those eligible for the vaccine certificate must have had both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior. Non-essential settings include restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios), sporting events, fitness facilities, and meeting and event spaces.
According to the provincial government, there are two medical exemptions to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The first would be an allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine as confirmed by an allergist or immunologist. The second would be if the individual suffered myocarditis or pericarditis after the first dose.
If an individual has an exemption to the vaccine certificate, they must present identification and a written document from a medical professional. Individuals under 12 will not need to show proof of vaccination in the province but must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
Before entering into non-essential settings, businesses will verify your vaccine certificate with another government-issued physical identification.
In the second stage, which is planned for Oct. 22, the province’s QR code and verification app will come into effect,. During this stage, individuals will be required to request their certificate through Ontario’s digital portal or service desk, which is still forthcoming.
As of Sept. 22, more than 82 per cent of eligible residents in the Waterloo region are now fully vaccinated. The Waterloo Region’s Vaccine Distribution Task Force is now focusing on vaccine outreach and delivering third doses. For more information on the third dose, click here.
As of Sept. 22, Waterloo health officials have confirmed 19,464 total cases of COVID-19 and approximately 294 deaths, including the death of a 10 year old child who had underlying health conditions. This also marks the first death in the under 10 age group in Waterloo Region and possibly the province.
Approximately 216 cases are considered active in the Region.