Ontario's vax pass stirs up local concerns

Health unit flooded with hundreds of calls from businesses and public

Today's start of Ontario's program requiring proof of vaccination at many indoor public places has triggered hundreds of inquiries to the London-area health unit from businesses and the public.

People 12 and older will have to show identification and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter such indoor settings as bars, restaurants, movie theatres, gyms and arenas to help curb the pandemic's fourth wave.

“We have had a huge volume of questions that have come through our hotline,” Middlesex-london medical officer of health Chris Mackie said Tuesday.

“There have been 730 calls yesterday alone. A number of those would have been from individuals, but also a lot of businesses with questions.”

The health unit, in partnership with the London Chamber of Commerce, is holding a webinar for area businesses Thursday.

Public health inspectors will be out in full force, during regular business hours and after hours, to enforce the new rule, Mackie said.

Even in settings where vaccination is required, the rule does not extend to takeout customers, people dining outdoors or people entering a restaurant to use the washroom.

People with legitimate medical reasons why they can't get the vaccine are also allowed indoors. They can provide a doctor's note until the medical exemption is integrated into the province's digital vaccine code, which is in development

The mobile-friendly code, which can be scanned by businesses, is expected to launch Oct. 22.

Ontario's vaccine receipts, given by email or printout to people who've received their COVID-19 shots, will serve as proof of vaccination in the interim. The document can be a printout or a copy saved on a mobile device.

Ontario's proof-of-vaccination requirement doesn't extend to all public indoor settings. Hospitals, grocery stores, retail stores and libraries are not covered.

Hyland Cinema owner Moira Adlan is ready for the launch, and says her business has added a few more minutes to pre-show trailers in case there are bottlenecks.

“We're ready to go. We know what we need to do. We're a bit concerned about the time that's involved with checking these things, but I think people will get used to the routine,” she said Tuesday.

“We're hoping it will help everyone stay safe . . . . We're hoping people will be patient. That's the key right now.”

As of Sept. 18, the latest date data are available, about 79 per cent of people 12 and older in London and Middlesex County are fully immunized with two doses of COVID -19 vaccines.

Ontario's top public health doctor asked Ontarians to be “kind and considerate” as the system takes effect. Kieran Moore said he believes the system will lead to a boost in vaccinations, particularly among those aged 20 to 39.

Adults 18 to 34 years old have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine uptake of any age group in the London area, both in first and second doses.

“That age group likes to go out, naturally social, takes advantage of bars, restaurants, nightclubs,” he said. “Once it clicks in in the coming days that you must be vaccinated to get inside, that will change behaviours. That's my hope.”

Ryan Mallough, senior director of Ontario affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said businesses have a “decent understanding” of what's required but there's “some stress and anxiety around what happens in a moment that doesn't go smoothly.”

Premier Doug Ford attempted to allay concerns about the system Tuesday. He said he knew many were worried it would impede on their civil liberties, but he noted the greater concern was a sudden surge in infections and having to lock down the province again.

“We need to do everything in our power to avoid future lockdowns and closures,” he said in a statement. “That is why we are bringing in these exceptional measures on a temporary basis and will end them as soon as they can be responsibly removed.”

Ford, who initially opposed vaccine certificates, announced the system after weeks of pressure from experts, businesses and political opponents.

With files from The Canadian Press

THE RULES

Proof-of-vaccination required indoors at:

Restaurants, bars and event spaces Both indoor and outdoor spaces at nightclubs

Recreation facilities including pools, arenas, gyms and sporting events

Casinos, bingo halls and race tracks

Concert venues, theatres and movie theatres

Get your vaccine receipt

If you received your COVID-19 vaccine doses in Ontario, you should have received either a printed or emailed receipt. If you were vaccinated outside of the province, you can register the shots with your local health unit to obtain an Ontario vaccine receipt.

Can't find your receipt?

Get your vaccine receipt by visiting covid19.ontariohealth.ca and inputting your health card information. This process only works for green and white health cards.

People with the old red and white health cards can call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-9433900 to get their receipt emailed.

People with no OHIP number should contact their local public health unit for help getting a receipt.

The London Public Library is offering to print vaccine receipts for free at every branch except Glanworth.