Proof Of Vaccination Won’t Be Required In Ontario At These Places

Ontario will soon be adopting its very own vaccine certificate, set to come into effect this fall.

Beginning September 22, Ontarians will have to present proof of vaccination to access certain higher-risk indoor public places, events, and facilities, such as nightclubs, restaurants, and movie theatres. But there are a few spots where that won't be necessary.

With the exception of outdoor nightclub spaces, anyone attending an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is lower, like outdoor patios, will not be required to provide proof of vaccination.

It will also not be required anywhere Ontarians receive medical care, buy groceries, and purchase medical supplies.

"I want to be clear that at no time will people be denied medical care, food from grocery stores or basic medical supplies based on their vaccination status," Deputy Premier Christine Elliott said in the announcement on September 1.

CTV News reports that vaccine certificates will not be necessary for places of worship, banks, workplaces, retail shopping, hair salons, and other personal care services.

When asked why so many businesses were left off the provincial proof-of-vaccine mandate, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said, "the venues that we have chosen are responsive to the risk that we've found in Ontario."

"Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor's note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate," the Ford government wrote in a news release today. "Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements."

Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and can answer any questions you may have.