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Ontario rolls out vaccine mobile app and QR code: What Windsor-Essex residents need to know

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Windsor, Ont. -

Windsor-Essex residents can download a QR code to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status at non-essential businesses.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford released details of the province’s new enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code and the free Verify Ontario app, which became available for download in the Apple app store and Google Play on Friday.

Here’s the highlights of what you need to know:

  • The Enhanced Vaccine Certificate will include a QR code for business owners to scan for entry
  • Residents can download theirs by birthday cohorts
  • Jan.-April can download Oct. 15, May-Aug. can download Oct. 16 and Sept.-Dec. can download Oct. 17
  • Anyone can download it as of Oct. 18 regardless of birthday
  • “Verify Ontario” app was ready to be downloaded by business owners Oct. 14
  • Vaccine receipts will no longer be issued at time of immunization but previously issued receipts are still an acceptable form of proof
  • Patrons must still show ID to verify their name and date of birth, along with the Enhanced Vaccine Certificate or old vaccine receipt
  • Officials say the QR scan does not retain personal information after being scanned at a business
  • Application works with iOS 11 on mobile devices issued as far back as 2014
  • The application is not mandatory, businesses that do not use it can still use the Enhanced Vaccine Certificate or receipt, along with identification to verify vaccinations.
  • “Digital first doesn’t mean digital only,” said Kaleed Rasheed, associate minister of Digital Government. People can save the electronic version of their vaccine certificate with a QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions.
  • Application doesn’t require an internet connection to work."It can work offline, without an internet connection but like with any app it will need to connect to the internet periodically to keep it up to date," said Rasheed.
  • Businesses will get one of three check marks:
  1. Green: means the person is fully vaccinated and can enter once their name and DOB is confirmed
  2. Red: if the person is partially vaccinated or 14 days from second dose have not passed
  3. Yellow: if the QR code couldn’t be read or the document is from a third-party issuer and couldn’t be verified
  • The app has been made available in advance to ensure businesses and organizations download the app and have sufficient time to become familiar with it. That's a week earlier than their Oct. 22 deadline to roll out the app.

With files from CTV Windsor's Melanie Borrelli.

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