HURON-PERTH – Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) supports the Ontario government’s decision to launch an enhanced vaccine certificate and require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in certain settings. The announcement came from the province on Sept. 1.
“I am pleased that steps are being taken to further protect the public from COVID-19 in indoor settings where there is a higher risk of virus transmission,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer for health for Huron-Perth.
As of Sept. 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities including:
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 only exceptions permitted to enter these settings are for unvaccinated people with medical exemptions, and people under 12 years old who are not yet eligible for vaccination.
The province has stated that beginning Oct. 22, an enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code, will be available.
Individuals can provide proof of immunization by downloading or printing their vaccine receipt from the provincial booking portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
COVID-19 cases have been on the rise locally and across Ontario, primarily in those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Full vaccination is the most effective layer of protection we have to protect ourselves and others from the virus, especially the highly-transmissible Delta variant.
“I urge anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible,” says Dr. Klassen. “There are many vaccination options in our region.”
HPPH continues to offer vaccination clinics in more locations across Huron Perth. Clinics are open to anyone turning 12 in 2021, and older. Walk-ins are accepted at all clinics.
Please visit www.hpph.ca/walkins for details on upcoming clinics. Appointments can be booked for some clinics either online at www.hpph.ca/vaccinebooking, or by calling 1-833-753-2098.
If you are not able to attend an HPPH vaccination clinic, you may contact your local pharmacy or primary care provider to see if they are offering COVID-19 vaccinations. Go to https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for a list of pharmacy locations.
