It’s been two days since Ontario’s vaccine passport system came into play, but so far no major issues in Chatham-Kent.
As of this past Wednesday, patrons dining indoors at restaurants, going to the movies, working out at gyms, and entering other indoor venues have to show proof of vaccination.
Medical Officer Dr. David Colby says it’s been a fairly smooth transition.
“No charges have been laid with regard to the vaccine certification program, lots of questions, lots of education. Both the public health inspectors and Chatham-Kent bylaw enforcement are reaching out and doing their very best to help.”
Dr. Colby says for the most part, polls have shown Ontarians are in favour of the vaccine passport idea, but since the burden of responsibility falls to business owners to check certificates, there have been a lot of questions.
“I think the concern about business owners is two-fold. One is they don’t like the idea of turning people away that are potential customers, and they are a little bit concerned about the responsibility that they have to check identification and vaccine receipts.”
Dr. Colby says there is support available, posters that can be put up in businesses, and guidelines to follow.
Some business owners have expressed concern about patrons trying to pass off phony vaccine certificates, but Dr. Colby believes the effort to create a false document far outweighs the benefits.
He says the easiest way for patrons to have access to restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues is to get vaccinated.
The province is expected to have a vaccine certificate app and QR code available by October 22nd, which should make the process much easier for both patrons and businesses.