Province to implement QR code certificates by October 22 for vaccine policy 

By Rob Paul, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After the recent announcement that the Province will require people to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theatres, sporting events, concerts, and event spaces, it's becoming clearer how the process will work. 

With the proof of vaccination guidelines being enacted September 22, Ontarians will need to have a printed copy or downloaded receipt on their phone of their second dose—they will also need I.D. This will be the procedure until October 22, when the provincial government plans to have a certificate system in place. 

This certificate will have a unique QR code for the vaccinated to make it a safer and more secure process going forward.  

“Businesses need a smart, quick and safe solution to verify vaccination,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government. “The made-in-Ontario enhanced vaccine certificate for the public and the verification app for businesses are tools to confirm that an individual has been vaccinated while protecting Ontarians' health data.” 

The implementation of the proof of vaccination policy has led to an increase in vaccination rate in Ontario. 

Between September 1 and September 8, 2021, the seven-day average for first doses administered increased by more than 29 per cent, from over 11,400 doses to over 14,700 doses.  

“As we continue to see cases of COVID-19 in our communities, we must keep up the fight against the transmission of this virus and its variants to create a safer environment for ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Dufferin-Caledon MPP and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “The best defense against COVID-19 is getting a vaccine and encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated too. Wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing where possible are public health measures we all must continue to follow.” 

The vaccine policy enacted by the government is to help increase vaccine coverage as the Delta variant continues to threaten a fourth wave of the pandemic. 

In Peel, there's been a steady increase in cases since the mid-summer with the case count now at 115,327 with 650 new cases in the last week, there were also 13 more deaths—the total is now up to 991. 

Though Caledon hasn't been as hard hit as the Region, the case count is growing. The Town saw 47 new cases this week with its total now at 4,760—there were no new deaths with the count staying at 22. 

As the Delta variant makes its impact felt, the vaccination coverage is rising in Peel. With 2,364,718 doses administered and 23,267 in the last seven-day cycle (September 6 to 12), 67.2 per cent of the Region's total population are completely vaccinated (74.1 per cent have at least one dose)—1,092,800 individuals have completed the vaccination process. 

Of Peel adults (18+), 85.3 per cent have at least one dose coverage and 77.7 per cent are fully vaccinated. Peel residents 12 and older have seen similar numbers with 84.9 per cent with at least one dose and 77 per cent fully vaccinated. 

To download or print a copy of your proof of vaccination, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccine-booking-support#proof-of-vaccination ¹. To book a vaccine in the Region of Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/vaccine/book-appointment. 

1. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccine-booki ng-support#proof-of-vaccination