HURON-PERTH – The provincial requirement to provide proof of vaccination to access certain indoor public settings takes effect today (Sept. 22), and Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) thanks the community for continuing to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
The new provincial requirement is one of several actions to encourage eligible people to get vaccinated. Increased vaccination rates will provide more protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant for Ontarians, including protecting healthcare system capacity and keeping schools and businesses open.
“This pandemic has been incredibly challenging for many,” says Donna Taylor, public health director and incident manager. “During the pandemic, businesses and public settings in Huron-Perth have worked diligently to operate according to many public health measures in order to protect their staff and patrons against the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.”
Added Taylor, “We ask that patrons and community members be understanding and supportive of owners and staff at these specified settings as they work to implement this new provincial requirement.”
Effective Sept. 22, 2021, Ontarians need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain indoor public settings 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).
There are some exemptions to the above requirement, including people who access only certain parts of settings, people with a documented medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination, and people under 12 years old who are not yet eligible for vaccination. For a full list, and details, of exemptions, please see Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act.
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.
Getting your vaccination receipt
Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.
The province is also working on additional supports and services to assist Ontario residents who need help obtaining proof of vaccination, including requesting a copy be sent by mail. Those who need support getting a digital or printed paper copy of their vaccination receipt can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Public libraries across Huron-Perth are also offering to help people print their vaccine receipt.
Getting vaccinated
HPPH continues to offer vaccination clinics in 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/walkin 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.
