Vaccine QR code now available as province hints at lifting 'more public health measures'
Residents across Simcoe Muskoka can now download their enhanced COVID-19 vaccination certificates if they have had both doses.
On Friday, the provincial government announced the new app and QR code would be available to all vaccinated Ontarians as of Monday for an easier and more convenient way to show proof of immunization.
Starting on Friday, restaurants, bars and other establishments that must see a vaccine certificate before allowing entry will be able to scan with the new app, as long as they have the technology to do so.
Still, the province said a paper version of the certificate would continue to be accepted.
The changes come as many restaurant owners across the region continue to struggle with capacity limitations, urging the province to give them an equal playing field with larger venues.
Last week, Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman wrote a letter to Premier Doug Ford encouraging him to loosen the restrictions on more than 400 restaurants in the city.
"Surely, if an indoor facility, such as a concert or banquet hall, can hold tens of thousands of individuals packed close together, restaurants with diners at separate tables cannot represent a greater threat," Lehman stated.
The capacity limitations also impact theatres, nightclubs and fitness centres.
On Friday, Premier Doug Ford mentioned that the government was working on a plan to "cautiously lift more public health measures."
The premier said the goal was to implement a long-term plan to avoid further lockdowns and restrictions with "limited disruption to businesses and families."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.