The province’s COVID-19 vaccine passport system comes into effect Wednesday and those aged 13 and over who want to access non-essential services are required to show proof of vaccination.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced the implementation of the passport system in early August prompting some protests in Montreal and at various venues where pilot projects to test the system were being carried out.
Some have argued the passport is discriminatory and should have been subject to public debate.
The government, for its part, has said the passport, in combination with vaccination, will not only protect the population it will also help businesses stay open by avoiding the need for lockdowns.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to navigate the new system.
What is the vaccine passport?
The vaccine passport is a system that allows to determine your level of protection against COVID-19.
For your passport, you will need a proof of vaccination document which includes your name, date of birth, information about the vaccines received, date of first positive COVID-19 test if applicable, and a QR or quick response code provided by the Quebec government. The information on the document is also contained in the QR code.
Proof of vaccination is available in both digital and paper formats. It is recommended to have the paper version as well, to serve as backup.
How does it work?
When trying to access non-essential services, anyone aged 13 and over will be required to show their proof of vaccination, either by presenting a paper version of their QR code, a PDF version on their mobile device or by using the VaxiCode application.
Businesses or venues will then scan your QR code using the VaxiCode Verif application. Your name will appear on the scanning device, as well as your vaccination status indicated by the colour green for adequately protected and red for not adequately protected.
An internet connection is not required as none of the information is stored, it is only read by the application.
You will also have to provide one piece of valid photo ID to ensure the name on the QR code matches yours.
The VaxiCode and VaxiCode Verif apps are available for download on the the Apple App Store for Iphone users and on Google Play for Android devices. After downloading the app, users can upload their QR code by following the instructions.
Where am I required to show proof of vaccination?
Restaurants and bars including outdoor patios, microbreweries, distilleries, nightclubs and food court dining areas in malls;
Entertainment venues including stadiums, arenas, auditoriums, cinemas, theatres or any other venue where performing arts, sports or films are shown;
Outdoor events and festivals with more than 50 participants, including agricultural fairs, arts and crafts shows, concerts, sports competitions, tournaments and tours;
Casinos, bingo halls and gambling halls;
Amusement and theme parks including zoos, water parks, recreation centres, arcades, pool halls and bowling alleys;
Cruises;
Conventions;
All indoor sports and physical activities, outdoor team sports or sports where there is frequent or prolonged contact
