National Post ePaper

YOU GOTTA PROVE IT

Ontarians must now have vaccine evidence

ANTONELLA ARTUSO aartuso@postmedia.com

Ontarians will have to show proof that they’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Wednesday to workout in their gyms, dine at an indoor restaurant table or go to the movies.

There are exemptions for people who have medical reasons, such as a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, or who were born after 2009.

Premier Doug Ford, who had first opposed the idea of vaccine passports, said this measure is needed to provide businesses with stability.

“There are a lot of people who are concerned about this policy and I want you to know that I hear you,” Ford said in a statement. “I understand your concerns about protecting your civil liberties and right to privacy.

“While many fully vaccinated people like myself share these concerns, the greater concern is having to shut down again or experience a sudden surge in cases like in Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

Starting Wednesday, Ontarians will need to show a receipt indicating that they have been fully vaccinated along with acceptable ID.

Once an enhanced vaccine certificate is released by the provincial government, expected by Oct. 22, people will have to use that document to get into higher-risk settings.

Ontario reported 574 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday and eight additional deaths.

COVID-19 patients numbered 330 in Ontario hospitals, including 179 in intensive care and 130 on ventilators.

An additional 293 cases of COVID-19 were reported in schools — 265 in students, 22 in staff and six in individuals who weren’t identified by public health officials.

There have been just over 1,000 cases since Aug. 2, when some schools reopened to in-class learning.

NEWS

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2021-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://nationalpost.pressreader.com/article/281724092693020

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