Ontario's Vaccine Passport Program Ends Today

Tuesday, 1 March 2022 05:43

Ontario is no longer enforcing the COVID-19 vaccine passport program, but businesses can still require proof of vaccination if they choose to do so.

OXFORD COUNTY - Proof of vaccination requirements end today in Ontario.

This means restaurants, businesses and community centres will no longer require you to provide a QR proof of vaccination code. Last week, Southwestern Public Health announced they will not recommend further requirements. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says they want to avoid any confusion.

"In order to avoid confusion or cause inequities among businesses, Southwestern Public Health will not require or recommend continued proof of vaccination (vaccine passports) beyond what is outlined by the province. However, we continue to promote COVID-19 vaccination as the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death and hope that local employers will continue to encourage their staff to get fully vaccinated and boosted as well."

Keep in mind, there will still be places where proof of vaccination is required. Any business can choose to require proof of vaccination if they want. Oxford County will also continue to have a proof of vaccination requirement. The County is not in charge of any of the recreation facilities such as arenas or swimming pools, however this will impact the County run Woodingford Lodge Long Term Care Homes.

CAO Michael Duben says the County can revisit this policy at their March 9th meeting.

"For now we will continue to apply the policy that was put in place following direction from Council. We will give Council the opportunity to provide further direction on the issue at the first meeting in March. By then, we should have more direction from both the Province and SWPH on numerous issues including screening and masking. While there are certain signs warranting optimism, we are still in a pandemic and as such reducing the risk of COVID-19 remains a high priority."

We have not heard of any Oxford County businesses who will continue to ask for proof of vaccination at this time.