Vaccine mobile app and QR code to go into effect Friday
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine verification app and QR code system is set to go into effect Friday — both of which are already available for download.
The Verify Ontario app was launched a week ago, with some businesses in Windsor-Essex embracing the new tool early.
“We started using it as soon as it came out,” says Imagine Cinemas Lakeshore chief operating officer Gina Facca, noting the app makes coming through the door easier.
“To be honest with you, the only real timing savings for us is not having to look at the date to verify the 14 days have passed since the second vaccine,” Facca says.
Businesses such as gyms, restaurants, and movie theatres where proof of vaccination status is required can use the app to quickly check a customer’s status, though paper records will still be accepted.
“There’s no data that we’re storing anywhere. It just gives us a check mark or an X,” Facca explains.
Previously, staff needed to check paper or digital versions of vaccine receipts at the door. When a proof of vaccination QR code is scanned in the app, it will respond with either a green check, yellow caution sign or a red "X," which means the certificate is invalid.
“I think it’s a good thing. We need to see how it goes and how businesses adapt to it,” says Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rakesh Naidu.
“With the vaccination passport, what we are hoping to see if the whole process gets expedited. It’s easier. It’s faster and it’s hopefully also fool-proof.”
“I feel bad, it’s very difficult to sit at the front door and deny customers access,” co-owner of WKND Hospitality Group, Matt Komsa tells CTV News.
He hopes customers embrace the app, noting there have been limited issues since vaccine verification was introduced.
“We anticipate a couple hiccups here and there but hopefully everything runs smoothly and we figure it out,” Komsa adds. “Hopefully the majority of customers end up using the app and it just speeds everything up at the front door.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.