Ontario's Vaccine Certificate Will Be Required At All These Businesses Starting This Month

An Ontario vaccine certificate will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to enter certain businesses and settings starting on September 22.

The provincial government said on Tuesday that the move would help prevent another lockdown by allowing businesses to remain open during the fourth wave of COVID-19 as well as prevent hospitals from getting overwhelmed.

"Based on the latest evidence and best advice, COVID-19 vaccine certificates give us the best chance to slow the spread of this virus while helping us to avoid further lockdowns. If you haven't received your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please do so today," Premier Doug Ford said.

The certificate will require residents to provide their proof of vaccination along with a photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. By October, the government will also release an app with a QR code that can be scanned by businesses.

According to the government, here is the list of businesses that will require proof of vaccination:

• "Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout)
• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment)
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres
• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport
• Sporting events
• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas
• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs
• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing)"

The government states that these certificates won't apply to those who are 11 or younger, as well as those who have medical exemptions.