Won’t apply to grocery and drug stores, medical facilities

Premier Doug Ford says starting Sept. 22 Ontarians will need proof of vaccination to get into a number of places.

The so-called vaccine passport will be required for patrons in

• 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)

You will be required to show a vaccine receipt – which can be printed off or downloaded from the provincial website – and in October, there will be a computer app available as well.

People with medical exemptions and children who cannot be vaccinated will not be required to show proof. Staff at the above facilities are not required to be vaccinated.

Premier Doug Ford has been hesitant to introduce the program and acknowledge that this afternoon.

“This is a serious step; we’re not taking lightly,” says Ford

“It is a temporary tool that we won’t use a day longer than we have to.

“This is what we have to do right now, because these certificates are what we have to do to keep our hospitals safe and avoid another lockdown.”

Health Minister Christine Elliot does not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, and medical supplies

And indoor masking will continue.